The Palio of Ferrara

The Palio of Ferrara revives one of the most distinctive recreational traditions of the Italian communal period. Today, the palios contested in Piazza Ariostea on the last Saturday of May are four, as recorded in chronicles and statutes from the 15th century.

The Palio was officially established in 1279 and quickly became a symbol of a glorious and captivating Renaissance. Since then, rituals and dates have only slightly changed, while the city’s celebration has remained largely the same.

A full month of festivities, parades, competitions, and races takes place among the eight Contrade (city districts) competing for the precious banner dedicated to Saint George, patron saint of Ferrara. Participants in authentic historical costumes parade through the streets of the city center, and the acrobatic flag-throwing competitions in Piazza del Municipio lead up to the spectacular horse race in Piazza Ariostea.

PROGRAM

>Saturday May 9th, 4.00 pm
Ferrara Cathedral
BLESSING OF THE PALIOS AND OFFERING OF THE CANDLES

>Sunday May 10th, h. 9 am and 3 pm
Piazza del Municipio
YOUTH GAMES OF THE ESTE FLAGS

>Saturday May 16th, h, 8.30 pm
>Sunday May 17th, h. 4 pm
Piazza del Municipio
ANCIENT FLAG GAMES OF THE ESTENSE FAMILY

>Saturday May 23rd, 8.45 pm
Piazzale Medaglie d'oro - Corso Giovecca - Castello Estense - Piazza Castello
HISTORICAL PROCESSION
With over 1,000 participants in Renaissance costumes, the Contrade parade along Corso Giovecca to reach the Estense Castle.

> May 27th and 28th, h. 9pm
Piazza Ariostea
HORSES TESTING

>Saturday May 30th
Piazza Ariostea
PALIO RACES
The Palio races are held in memory of the extraordinary palio organized to celebrate the coronation of Borso d’Este as Duke of Ferrara in Rome. The races, preceded by the historical parade, are four:
The boys’ race for the Red Palio of San Romano
The girls’ race for the Green Palio of San Paolo
The donkeys’ race for the White Palio of San Maurelio
The horse race for the Yellow Palio of San Giorgio