Valtenesi Palio, Trials, and Events Highlighting Local Rivalries

If on one hand there are reports of a desire for unity among the 7 towns of Valtenesi, on the other hand, there are realities claiming exactly the opposite.

Timed Trials and the Barrel Race

This was the very recent case from the evening of last Friday, when at Puegnago the timed trials were scheduled to determine the pole position for the Palio delle Botti, which will take place tonight, Sunday, starting at 9:00 PM.

Of the 7 teams representing as many Municipalities that make up the Valtenesi area, only 4 showed up for the trials.

Naturally, the event, which this year celebrates its tenth edition, will proceed as planned, and the Palio will be awarded to the winner. However, it is certain that from the outset, the event will be significantly diminished.

The starting grid, after the timed trials, will be as follows: Polpenazze, winner of the previous edition; Puegnago, the host town; San Felice del Benaco; Moniga.

As already mentioned, the route will run through the streets of the historic center and will be repeated three times. At the end, the awards ceremony and the presentation of the Palio to the winner.

Related Events and Inaugurations

This morning, the Fair will feature, in addition to the official inauguration at 11:00 AM with the awarding of certificates to the wine-producing companies selected by the Cavalieri della Luna d’Agosto (the judging panel composed of expert oenologists), the ceremony to rename the street, scheduled for 9:00 AM, that the municipality of Puegnago has decided to dedicate to the late Bruno Boni, former president of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Province of Brescia.

On Monday, other street namings will take place, including that of Paolo Bonomi, a milestone in Italian agriculture history, as he was the first and longest-serving President of Coldiretti.

The crowded conference on Friday evening, titled “The Development of Viticulture in the Garda Area,” will feature speeches from, among others, Francesco Bettoni, president of the Chamber of Commerce; Giampaolo Mantelli, Agriculture Councillor of the Province of Brescia; and Luigi Mainetti, member of the National Committee for the Protection of Wines with Designation of Origin.

Olive Oil Conference

Tomorrow evening will see a conference organized by AIPOL on extra virgin olive oils with protected designation of origin. The event will be coordinated by Hon. Francesco Ferrari.