Palio di Asti
This historic bareback horse race is the oldest one of its type in italy originating in 1273, when the astigiani staged a race beneath the walls of the enemy city of alba causing great devastation to their vineyards. wars between asti and alba have long since ceased, although to this day there is intense rivalry between the cities, and the palio horse race is now held every 3rd sunday in september. all the ancient borgo boroughs of asti, and many nearby towns enter both a horse and a contingent for the medieval parade preceding the palio. the parade starts at the cathedral and winds through the historical medieval town ending up on the palio arena on piazza alfieri. there are 3 heats, followed by an interlude for the flag-throwers to show their skills; then the final is raced usually after several deliberate false starts and the winner claims his prize - the precious banner with the picture of astiâs patron saint, the "palio di asti". (http://www.palio.asti.it)
Douja D'Or
For 10 days between the sagre and palio, asti holds the douja dâor gold goblet wine tasting competition and symposium. every day there are taste workshops, learned discussions, wine judging, label competition, plus speciality plates from the local restaurants and music at night. over 400 wines are available for tasting, not only piedmontese but from all over italy and each year a non-italian wine region is featured. (http://www.doujador.it)
Palio Degli Sbandieratori
Piedmont's flag-throwing teams are justly famous and every asti borgo and provincial town sponsors a team, who compete in the piazza san secondo in a night time spectacle during the palio week. this event is not staged for tourists, its very much for locals to support their commune, and hence has a lot of character and charm.