The Clog Palio

Every year Desio holds a historical reenactment of the great battle fought in the town in 1277. The Palio begins with a historical parade attended by more than 600 participants wearing traditional costumes and representing the town's 11 historic districts. The procession is led by Ottone Visconti, who - according to local tradition - made his triumphal entry into Desio after the battle; Ottone is followed by the people and the defeated oppressor, Napo della Torre, who is locked in a cage pulled by a pair of oxen. The procession reaches the Piazza Conciliazione, where an enthralling Palio is held, in which eleven pairs of athletes compete, taking on a relay race around the square wearing wooden clogs.