On August 15 anyone who is in Cappelle Sul Tavo (PE) is in for a real treat.
This large but innocent looking doll
becomes this
Why?
Because of this, Il Palio delle Pupe.
Back in May we spotted a lifesize doll standing outside the Comune offices in Cappelle Sul Tavo (PE) and apart from the external metal frame it just looked like a large pretty doll. But I asked at reception and I was told that it was part of a very important festival that happens every August 15th in the town.
We then met Angelo Anselmi who told us a lot more about the event. He turns up as the second person being interviewed in this clip.
The competition is held annually between the fourteen districts (contrade) of Cappelle Sul Tavo.
The dolls of each of the districts are decorated in their traditional colours, someone very brave gets inside the doll, lifts it up and dances in time to traditional music.
But as you’ve seen it doesn’t end there. After displaying their dancing skills the dolls explode into a fantastic pyrotechnic display. Fireworks shoot in all directions lighting up the podium and the night sky.
This is all studiously observed by the judges who assess each districts overall performance and choose a winner. That’s a tough task for the judges I think as I’ve seen a few video clips of the entries and I they all looked spectacular. I just hope they don’t have to get too close to make their judgement.
It was last won, in 2009, by Ammond’ a la Valle whose traditional colours are giallo – nero (yellow and black).
You can read more about the Palio delle Pupe on the Cappellle Sul Tavo site.
This site dedicated to the Palio delle Pupe.
And there are plenty more clips available on YouTube.
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Hi Bodach,
Abruzzese local festivals are fascinating! This one looks like a dazzling and daring spectacle – a fireworks display with a difference!
I think “fascinating” is definitely the word for it.
Each year a winner is chosen and I’m curious what the criteria are. I’m assuming it is doll design, dancing ability and the actual fireworks display.
I wonder how close the judges and audience are to the exploding dolls!
Should be great fun though.
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