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 participants in original costume who parade through the streets of the city centre and the hard-fought flag-throwing competitions in Piazza del Municipio accompany us up to the spectacular horse race in Piazza Ariostea.
Meeting place: Cattedrale di Ferrara (Piazza Cattedrale)
When: Saturday May 9th
Time: 16.00
Meeting place: Piazza Municipale
When: Sunday 10th, Saturday May 16th and Sunday May 17th
Time: to be defined
Meeting place: Piazzale Medaglie d'oro - Corso Giovecca
When: Saturday May 23rd
Time: 20.45
Meeting place: Piazza Ariostea
When: Saturday May 30th
Time: 20.00
The races traditionally take place every year on the last Saturday 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: