Palio del Casale 2025, the donkey race returns to Cicciano between history and folklore

A Cicciano, in the province of Naples, everything is ready for the 20th edition of the Palio del Casale, scheduled for the 17 and 18 May 2025The event, now known at a national level, recalls an episode from 1768, when the local population celebrated with three days of celebrations the liberation from the dominion of Nola. Legend has it that, during those celebrations, some young men organized a donkey race to win the heart of a girl called Giuseppina. From that oral tradition comes one of the most original and popular races in Italy.

Over time the Palio has become a fixed event that mixes folklore, historical reenactment, entertainment and gastronomy, involving delegations from 19 Italian regionsThe race, which takes place on a city track, has become a symbol of the community and an opportunity for cultural and tourist promotion.

What does the program for the 2025 edition include?

The Palio del Casale is divided into two days full of events. Saturday May 17th the party area opens at 20:00 with food stands, while at 21:00 there will be the traditional investiture of the new Giuseppina, followed by the parade of the 19 regional delegations. To close the evening, from 22:00, the musical show “Dance Tarantella” signed Nostalgia '90.

Sunday May 18th the day begins with activities for children with donkeys (10 pm) e Qualifying matches between the districts of Cicciano (11:00 am). The stands reopen for lunch with two dedicated menus:

• Earth Menu: fusilli avellinesi, meat roll, babà
• Sea Menu: cazzarielli, octopus with potatoes, babà

All 17:00 kicks off parade of the 19 participating regions, followed by donkey race of the Palio itself (18:00 pm). The celebrations continue until the evening with live music and new tastings.

Participation is Delivery to Italy takes one or two business days and open to all. The Palio del Casale is an experience that unites fun, culture and local flavours, capable of involving families, young people and tourists in an authentic and convivial atmosphere. Cicciano transforms into a historic village, where every detail evokes a past made of folk tales and shared identities.

The event is also an opportunity for enhance the territory and its excellences, promoting a form of tourism linked to tradition and community participation. A way to rediscover the South through games, folklore and hospitality.