Chico Palio

So what exactly IS “Chico Palio“? It’s the official kick-off event for Artoberfest, a month-long festival of arts & culture in Northern California, featuring more than 130 events.  This year’s Palio begins at 10 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 25, in the Downtown Chico City Plaza and culminates at 2:45 with a “Thrill the World” mass dance that is sure to knock your socks off.

Chico Palio is modeled after Italy’s Siena Palio, which is a centuries-old horse race between neighborhoods (one of  the most famous in Europe). Instead of “live” horses, however, Chico Palio features humans carrying horse sculptures, lovingly created by various local organizations and businesses.

Artoberfest “happenings” will include live performances, literature, poetry, dance, film and video, visual arts, music, and theater.  Something for everyone.

Our little town of Chico is known as one of the best “small arts towns” in the country.  So it’s fitting to have a month-long celebration of one of the many aspects that make Chico such a uniquely wonderful place to live!