Palio das Cjarogiules, a tribute to the traditions of Carnia

In Paluzza, Friuli, on August 9th and 10th, 2025!

Every summer, Carnia celebrates its traditions with the "Palio das Cjarogiules," held in mid-August in Paluzza . This event represents a heartfelt opportunity to remember and relive its origins , through the symbol of the cjarogiule (axle with wheels and a rudder) and the louze (wooden sled) , vehicles that were once used to transport all the family's possessions. Their use over time reflects the ancient toil of these mountain people, who today are happy to welcome visitors and share their history and traditions with them in the setting of these verdant and pristine mountains of Friuli Venezia Giulia, on the border with Austria.

This year, the eagerly awaited Palio das Cjarogiules weekend falls on August 9th and 10th , and as always , its highlight is the heated Palio . For 39 years, around fifteen contrade (districts) have competed, representing not only the town's hamlets but also the surrounding area of Paluzza. This intensely competitive and athletic race uses the ancient means of transport typical of these mountains, the cjarogiule and the louze . Scheduled for Sunday the 10th, starting at 5:00 PM , after the parade and the presentation of the contrade , the Palio challenges pique everyone's curiosity and inexorably invite everyone to cheer for one team or another. There are five challenges, in which everyone participates wearing traditional peasant clothing: women are asked to run while dragging a cjarogiule loaded with 15 kg of hay (Palio del fen cu la cjarogiule), while men are asked to cut circular sections of fir trunk with a saw (Palio del seon), assemble and load a 100 kg load of wood onto the cjarogiule in the shortest time possible (Palio da Cjame), to ensure the best starting position in the actual Palio. And there's even a special mini-Palio for children .

The celebrations kick off in the morning with the solemn Palio Mass in the Cathedral, followed by a series of enjoyable events and activities, such as the Fatto a Mano (Handmade Hobby Market) and, starting at 3:00 PM, a performance by the Palmanova flag-wavers and drummers . The delicious and authentic flavors of Carnia are a must-see, starring in the Golosets: Amôr di Contrada (Love of the Contrada ) food festival, which brings Paluzza to life during the two days of the Palio and kicks off on Saturday at 6:00 PM. Stalls selling typical specialties, which vary from district to district , are set up in the various districts. And so you can taste, among other delicacies, traditional cjarsòns (typical Carnic ravioli with a variety of fillings), maltagliati with butter and smoked ricotta, orzotto with mushrooms, gnocchi stuffed with plums, stew with polenta, mountain cheeses, polenta with roe deer and venison, mountain platters, the inevitable polenta and frico and traditional desserts, such as sweet gnocchi, apple or herb fritters, homemade cakes, etc. Alongside the food festival, music and events are scheduled until late at night. For children, during the two days, there will be Funny Time and performances by jugglers, stilt walkers, magic shows, traditional wooden games, and theatrical performances in Friulian .

Organized by the Giovins Cultural Association of Chenti di Paluzza, with the support of the Carnia Mountain Community and the Municipality of Paluzza, the Palio das Cjarogiules is one of the local entertainment activities envisaged by the PNRR "Il Bosco nel Borgo-Il Borgo nel Bosco" (The Woods in the Village - The Village in the Woods) Call for Proposals. This cultural and social regeneration project, promoted by the Municipalities of Sutrio and Paluzza, showcases the intrinsic value of wood.

Information

Giovins di Chenti APS Cultural Association - Paluzza - www.paliodipaluzza.it