The Palio d'la Ciaramela

Every year in early September, a long-awaited historical reenactment, the "Palio d'la Ciaramela," is held in Mede, born of a deep desire to protect and not let die the customs and traditions of the Mede community. The event begins on the second Friday in September with the opening of the "Ristopalio," where traditional local dishes are served. The next day, the festive atmosphere continues amidst stalls and performances of various kinds. The highlight of the festival is on Sunday when the "Palio d'la Ciaramela" is played, which is anticipated by the grand historical parade with carriages, gigs and figurants in period costumes. The competition pits the representatives of Mede's 10 districts against each other in the game of "Ciaraméla" (the cane game), a very old game that is so reminiscent of American baseball. The game consists of hitting with a long stick another smaller stick-the "ciaramela" and the "bac"-to make it jump and then hit it. You have three tries to throw the smaller stick as far as possible.