The "Palombella Festival”, which is held every year on the occasion of Pentecost, represents for Orvieto one of the most important religious events of the year. Eternal symbol of candor, the white dove is on this occasion theemblem of the Holy Spirit, and embodies a strong attachment to an ancient popular tradition. The show enlivens every year, in the beautiful square of the Duomo, numerous people from the city itself or curious tourists who capture everything through photographs and films.
The Palombella Festival
The celebration was established at the beginning of the fifteenth century on the initiative of the noblewoman Giovanna Monaldeschi of Cervara, representative of one of the city's oldest and most important families. Originally, the dove was expected to be tied with its wings open. ad a coat of arms, in the position of the Holy Spirit. The coat of arms ran on a cable which, starting from the aedicule depicting the Empyrean, placed on the Church of San Francesco, crossed the whole Via Maitani. The aim was to make the dove reach the wooden tabernacle reproducing the Cenacle erected on the Cathedral Square. This would have welcomed her decorated with firecrackers and fireworks, which would have been lit upon her arrival. Following the animal rights protestsSince 2005, the dove has no longer been attached to the coat of arms, but has been placed in a clear plastic tube. Partially satisfied, they would like the live animal to be permanently replaced with a simulacrum.
The Palombella and its symbolic journey
The Palombella Festival recalls, with the symbolic flight of the dove, the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Virgin and the ApostlesThe long metal rope has two tabernacles at its ends. At the starting point, on the roof of the church, is the tabernacle depicting Paradise; at the other end is the one depicting the Last Supper. The latter, with the Apostles (over whose heads flames of fire are lit) and the Madonna, is placed on the steps of the Cathedral. Tradition holds that the fluidity of the movement and other factors provide auspices for the following agricultural year. Therefore, great expectations are held by the people of Orvieto, who, enchanted by following the bird's path, see in this ceremony new omens for the vintageIt's no coincidence that the enthusiasm is further fueled by the explosion of firecrackers, which, ignited by a flame, mark the end of the "journey," accompanied by a thunderous applause.
A city in celebration
The Palombella's journey takes place at noon, but before and after, the allegorical event fills the entire city with music and color. Throughout the day, in fact, the seventh edition of "Orvieto in bloom” enlivens the streets and squares. Present a “Procession of the common people", The band, crossbowmen, sandieratori and musicians of the neighborhoods. With the addition of bagpipes e medieval dances The festive day associated with the "Monaldesque wedding" is beautifully recalled. All that remains is to enjoy this wonderful and picturesque event from beginning to end. Always keeping our fingers crossed that, after the Bishop, waving his handkerchief from the balcony of the Palazzo dell'Opera del Duomo, will give the go-ahead to the Palombella, which must not stop along the way!
