Horses, butteri and even donkeys are the key figures this month. Races are organised down the streets of Allumiere (Palio delle contrade), Tolfa (Torneo dei Butteri) and Valentano, to the background of games, music, market stalls, street entertainment and genuine food.
Then there are the fireworks on 15th August ("Ferragosto") up on the lake and down by the sea…

Palio Delle Contrade
Allumiere
Dating back to the early 1500s, this is a traditional donkey race where only the males are allowed to run.
The six districts fight it out, each represented by four donkeys. Before the actual race there's a historical procession, led by a cart and oxen carrying the banner, followed by flag throwers, trumpets, dames, knights and men-at-arms, all in 16th Century costume.

Torneo Dei Butteri
Tolfa
Butteri from all over the area come together to exchange news, perform and race. The lasso and branding events are particularly exciting.

Il Padellone
Civitavecchia
The local population managed to defeat the Saracen pirates way back when the city was founded in 899: so why not have a huge "fry-up" and distribute masses of fish to all present.