We have worked without any clamor in IHP’ style to fulfill our final aim, and this year we succeeded in stopping a presumed cultural tradition in Roccatederighi, in province of Grosseto, where donkeys were forced to run down the asphalt road, among shouts and shoves.

In the end just a parade took place under the surveillance of the Police, previously alerted by us. This year the “donkeys palio” didn’t have any of the requisites provided by Martini’s Ordinance made on 21st July 2009. And yet it was rumored that someone still wanted to force the donkeys to run on an inappropriate ground, without barriers for the audience, without a veterinary ambulance in case of accidents. It was unbelievable, but it seemed to be true and today some local newspapers and the Tirreno reported the indignant statement of the President of Grosseto Province, who lashes out against Undersecretary Francesca Martini and the Ordinance.

We have to remind that this document doesn’t abolish the palio tradition, but at least it lays down the basic safety measures for animals and audience. Evidently the organizers and the local directors don’t want to accept these common sense rules, as they go on confusing cultural traditions with the barbaric exploitation of living creatures.
If that is the case, Minister Michela Brambilla has every reason to propose the abolition of these shows that also penalize the image of Italy abroad.


Photo 1: the jockeys’ protest march. They walk backwards because they were not allowed to make their donkeys run on the asphalt


Photo 2: the banner says: “Sweat or salted?” as evidence of the little consideration that citizens and palio organizers have for donkeys