The Palio was made official in 1279 and rapidly transformed into the symbol of a glorious and fascinating Renaissance.
Since then, rituals and dates have only changed slightly, and the celebration in the town has not been altered. A month of celebrations, parades, races and competitions between the eight Contrade [neighborhoods linked to the parish] to win the precious tapestry dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of Ferrara.
The warm month of May welcomes the figurants in original costume who parade through the streets of the city centre and the hard-fought flag-throwing competitions in Piazza del Municipio take us up to the spectacular horse race in Piazza Ariostea.
The contrade, represented by over 1000 people in Renaissance costumes, parade from Corso Giovecca to the City Centre.
Meeting place: Corso della Giovecca, Corso Martiri della Libertà, Torre dell’Orologio
When: May 14th, at 9 pm
Meeting place: Piazza Cattedrale
When: May 15th at 6.30pm
The Contrade take part in the Holy Mass, each of them offering a candle to the altar. The bishop blesses the "palii", the prizes for the winners of the four races at the altar.
Meeting place: Piazza Municipale
When: May 21st at 3.00 pm and 8.30pm
Meeting place: Piazza Municipale
When: May 22nd at 4pm
The flag wavers of the Ferarra Palio have been masters of their art for hundreds of years and have won numerous international competitions. These competitions also draw a huge crowd of devoted fans. The music, colour and acrobacy of these exhibitions has the effect of carrying the public back in time to the golden days of when the Este family ruled the city.
Meeting place: Piazza Ariostea
When:
May 27th at 9.30 and 6pm
May 28th at 8.30am and 6pm
Meeting place: Piazza Ariostea
When: May 29th at 3.30 pm
The races traditionally take place every year on the last Sunday of May, to recall the extraordinary Palio that celebrated the crowning of Borso d'Este as first Duke of Ferrara in 1471.
There are four races:
Corsa dei putti - Boys' race (Palio di San Romano)
Corsa delle putte - Girls' race (Palio di San Paolo)
Corsa delle asine - Donkey race (Palio di San Maurelio)
Corsa dei cavalli - Horse race (Palio di San Giorgio).
