Palio della Stella

The “Palio della Stella” takes place every year in Sacrofano (Rome) and recalls the palio in honour of the wedding of King Desiderio and Mrs Tommasina. A young knight called Desiderio (Wish), coming back from Holy Land, fell in love with the beautiful young girl, Tommasina, betrothed to King Gregory. Desiderio confronted the King who told him he can marry Tommasina only after having passed seven tests. If he passed these, Desiderio could marry the lady and become a King. But King Gregory didn't keep his promise and gave him another test: Desiderio had to bring the King a star impaled on his lance. Fortunately, Tommasina had a necklace with a silver star attached. He brought the King this star and King Gregory had to renounce his entitlement to the throne and Tommasina.
In honour of the wedding King Desiderio initiated the tradition of “Palio della Stella” diving the city of Sacrofano into seven wards. From then on, every year, the locals, dressed in costumes, fight with horses, and lances. The winner is the one who pierces a star with his lance.