Il Palio dei Capatosta in Mola di Bari

By Francesco Di Paolo; Translation by Mauro Miccolis

After an exciting performance, the “Contrada della Terra” has been awarded with the prestigious title of “Golden Champion 2012” at the Palio dei Capatosta in Mola di Bari (Bari), Italy.

Eventually the “humbles” excelled in Saturday’s competitions achieving the title thanks to their second place, thus winning this year’s “Palione”. The canvas is inspired to John’s Apocalypse and portrays “The Four Horsemen”, painted by a local artist selected among several contestants.
Piazza XX Settembre and the waterfront were flooded for three days with the colors of the six “Contrade” with the help of their supporters from all around town.

The event started on July Friday 13th with an opening celebration featuring the winning Spanish guests from Pedrajas de San Esteban. Both Spanish and local musicians performed in the amphitheater of the Angiovin Castle in the show called “Profeti in Patria” .

On Saturday 14th the “Contrada della Terra” dominated the games on land winning the sack race, the relay race and women’s tug of war, whereas the “Contrada della Stella” won the tower construction game.

Sunday 15th was dedicated to the sea relay and the greasy pole, both won by the “Contrada della Noria”.

On the other hand, the “Contrada del Fuoco” won 1st place in the fishing boats (“gozzi”) race placing itself second and only one point short in the final ranking from the “Contrada della Terra”.

The “Contrada del Fuoco”, the 2011’s Golden Champion, proved to be a skillful adversary for all the other “Contrade”.
The “Contrada della Noria” and the “Contrada della Stella” placed both in 3rd place, followed by the “Contrada del Giglio” in 5th place and “Contrada del Drago” in 6th place.