Nautical Palio of Civitavecchia 2016: full programme

From April 16, 2016 in the splendid setting of the Historic Port of Civitavecchia will take place the 34th edition of the Nautical Palio of Santa Fermina. The closing will obviously be on April, 28 2016, day of Santa Fermina patron saint of Civitavecchia.
This is one of the most important events of the year for Civitavecchia, highly attended and loved by its citizens, a great show where teams defy each other in front of the audience crowding the docks of the Port.

WHAT'S THE NAUTICAL PALIO OF CIVITAVECCHIA

The Palio of Civitavecchia is organized yearly by the Association Mare Nostrum 2000 in collaboration of many partners and entitities of the area. There are concretely two very important moments for the city during the year: April 28, during the celebration of Santa Fermina and during the Christmas of Civitavecchia (August 15).

The event consists of a rowing speed race with boats with fixed seats, in teams "four with". The teams compete during the holydays in honour to the saint patron, representing the 8 Historic Districts of Civitavecchia.

On August 15, instead, takes place the historic commemoration of the fishers of Centumcellae who in the year 813 AD warned the population of the arrival of the Saracen fleet.

FULL PROGRAMME OF THE NAUTICAL PALIO 2016

Here's the full programme, day by day, of the 34th edition of the Palio. For further details about the axhibitions and stands please refer to the “Useful Information”box that you will find at the bottom of this page.

TUESDAY APRIL 12
On April 12, at the seat of the Foundation Cassa di Risparmio of Civitavecchia, the event will be presented. The Nautical Palio of Santa Fermina will be preceded by a series of events of preparation. Here's the full programme:

SATURDAY APRIL 16
(Ancient Rock of the Historic Port of Civitavecchia)
Inauguration of the XXXIV edition of the Nautical Palio of Santa Fermina, opening exhibitions and stands. From 8.30, inside the Ancient Rock, you can visit a photography exhibition and a painting exhibition. Also an improvised thematic painting competition and a photography competition will be organised.

On the same day there will be the Dragon Boat Race "Rowing with the Nautical Palio", a show, not competitive race. The Dragon Boat is a new sport discipline born for the psico-fisical recovery of women that have had surgery due to breast cancer. Some stands will be open at the Dock Sardegna Calata Laurenti of the Historic Port.
For those interested in this new discipline, from 15.00, at the dock S. Teofanio, will be an open day with the women of the Dragon Boat.

SUNDAY APRIL 17
The day of the Palio! The race will take place at the water surface of the Historic Port. This is the calendar of the scheduled events:
08.00, athletes meeting and welcome to the "Ponchielli Band" at the Fort Michelangelo; preparation of the race field at the dock n.3 "Principe Tommaso" in the Historic Port
08.30, blessing of the boats, of the nautical instruments and parade of athletes, associations and crew of the Local Tourist Organisation from the "Chapel of Santa Fermina" to the race field, with the banners of the Historic Districts accompanied by the Ponchielli Music Band.
09.00, eliminating round category Junior m/w among the schools of Civitavecchia.
10.45, eliminating round category Senior m/w, integrated and agonist team race.
12.00, end of the painting and photography competitions.
12.30, awards and closing of the event.
15.00, 1st Tournament of Table Soccer of Santa Fermina

SATURDAY APRIL 23
At 16.00, opening of the Exhibition of static modeling on the premises of the Ancient Rock of Civitavecchia. Organised by Association Centumcellae GM.

THURSDAY APRIL 28

The day of the Procession in honor of "Santa Fermina", Patroness of Civitavecchia and protector of seafarers. At 16.00, meeting point of executives and crews - at the Cathedral of Civitavecchia - for the traditional ceremony.

Our tip is to go for a walk around the historic port or the city during the days of the Palio. It will be a perfect chance to participate of the folklore and the energy that emanates this event but also a chance to know and visit the splendid historic monuments of the city.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OF THE NAUTICAL PALIO OF SANTA FERMINA 2016

ENJOY THE PALIO!