Emulation: VII.1 The Palio in Action

Lucca’s Feast of San Paolino

Some of the events leading up to the crossbow competition on the feast of San Paolino in Lucca, for which I painted the Palio (banner):

Saturday, 6 July 10:30am, via del Moro, Loggiato Palazzo Santini, exhibition of the bozzetti (models) submitted for the competition to paint the Palio

Thursday, 11 July 21:15, Piazza S. Martino, drawing for the shooting order of the crossbow competitors

21:30 S. Michele, vigil prayer service

22:00 from Piazza S. Michele to Basilica of S. Paolino, torch lit procession of S. Paolino, religious communities and historic groups

22:30 Basilica of S. Paolino, blessing of the city, prayers of the crossbowmen and solemn motet for S. Paolino (Polifonica Lucchese)

Friday, 12 July 11am mass at S. Paolino

12:00 artillery firing at the S. Donato bastion and gate, recalling the miracle of S. Paolino

17:00 Sagrato, basilica of S. Paolino, award ceremony for shop window displays

18:30 Basilica di S. Paolino, solemn pontifical mass, presiding Msgr. Italo Castellani, Archbishop of Lucca

the mayor of Lucca offers a votive candle in the name of the city and

the mayor of Bagni di Lucca offers oil for the lamp in S. Paolino in the name of the municipalities of the archdiocese

21:00 Piazza S. Martino, 39th Crossbow Palio in honor of S. Paolino, competitors from the three Terzieri (districts) of Lucca

Saturday, 13 July 18:00 Piazza S. Martino, 1st tourney of San Paolino, antique archery competition

21:00 Piazza S. Martino, flag throwing show