Carmelite Palio

In the ancient village of Laurenzana, the medieval historical parade unfolds in celebration of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, the patroness of the town. The parade recalls the Swabian domination period, right after the Normans, specifically the years between 1240 and 1266, during which Manfred, first the prince of the county of Gravina that included this territory, and later the king of Frederick's realm, arrived in Laurenzana as a guest of Matteo di Guglielmo, the local viscount. It also recalls the tournaments that the feudal lords would announce on special occasions during times of peace. The reenactment is preceded, in the days leading up to it, by a tournament of games called “Carmelite Games” in which the four districts of the town, formed by highlighting the natural division of the neighborhoods, compete against each other for three important honors: The privilege of holding the banner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is displayed throughout the year in the church of the district; The right to adorn some members of the district with the attire of the viscount of Laurenzana, in the medieval parade the following year; The honor of offering the silver lily as a tribute to the Madonna for the benefits and graces received during the year; The districts are symbolically represented by four banners depicting the images of the saints: Saint Philomena (symbol: Palm of Martyrdom; distinguishing colors: dark blue and white; banner location: Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel) Saint James (symbol: pilgrim's shell; distinguishing colors: white and red; banner location: church of Virgo Potentissima) Saint George (symbol: the saint's sword; distinguishing colors: yellow and blue; banner location: church of Saint George) Saint Michael (symbol: Saint Michael's scales; distinguishing colors: maroon and green; banner location: Church of Saint Michael) **Practical information:** open to all Free **Partners:** Region of Basilicata, Matera Basilicata 2019 Foundation, Carmelite Palio Association