August 18, 2012
A Palio, Barony of Eskalya (Anchorage, AK)
What is the Palio di Eskalya? It is inspired by the Italian Palio festivals which encourage civic pride, pageantry and multiple competitions where the winning Contrade takes the Palio banner and bragging rights for the next year! Our Contrades will be the households, families and other branches of Oertha. The Palio will give each Contrade a chance to prove their superiority in the manner of the Italians.
Each Contrade has a unifying symbol and colours to represent and identify themselves by placing their Contrade symbol/colours on clothing, or displaying in any manner of they choose. Each Contrade will have their own "horse(s)". These are to be helms decorated to be horse head-like (No, this is not the Godfather); heavy and rapier. These will be displayed in the Grand Parade before the tourney. Winners of the heavy and rapier tourney will do a rock, paper, scissors to determine the over-all champion.
Also there shall be a number of other contests wherein points will be given to each Contrade based on their placing in each activity. Documentation gets extra points. At the end of the day, a special ceremony will be held to declare the Contrade with the most points the winner and awarding of the "Palio" Banner and bragging rights.
This year's contests include: Contrade A&S - Contrade banner, best "horse barding', best Italian garb - male and female; cooking - Best period Italian dish; Bardic - period Italian songs, stories etc. Children will have their own horse race (with stick horses, of course).
Don't have a "Contrade"? Ask to join one, start your own or cheer on your favorite Contrade.
Feast is potluck with main meat dishes provided. Potluck is according to your birth month: Gennaio, Febbraio, Marzo (Jan, Feb, March) Breads, Spreads and cheeses; Aprile, Maggio, Guigno (April, May and June) Pasta, rice; Luglio, Agosto, Settembre (July, Aug, Sept) Veggies, Fruit; Ottobre, Novembre, Dicembre (Oct, Nov, Dec) Desserts.
There will be pomp, splendor and pageantry. Bring your banners, your pavilions and cheer on your favorite Contrade.
Site open: 10:00 a.m. Site Close: 10:00 p.m.
Site fee: Adult - $7 / Children 12 to 4 - $3 / 3 and under free.
Contact Information: Elspeth Bouchannane
Directions: From the East to Tudor, left on Elmore, south to the Park on the left. From the West to Tudor then a right on Elmore.
