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The Palio was formalised in 1279 and quickly became the symbol of a glorious and captivating Renaissance.
Since then, the rituals and dates have changed only slightly; the city's celebration has remained unchanged.
A month of festivities, parades, races and competitions between the eight Contrade (neighbourhoods) to win the prized banner dedicated to St George, the patron saint of Ferrara.
A warm May day welcomes the participants, dressed in traditional costumes, as they parade through the streets of the city centre, and the acrobatic displays of the flag bearers in Piazza del Municipio lead us to the spectacular horse race in Piazza Ariostea.
PROGRAMME
BLESSING OF THE PALII AND OFFERING OF THE CERI
Meeting point: Ferrara Cathedral (Piazza Cattedrale)
Date: Saturday, 9 May
Time: 4:00 pm
ANCIENT ESTENSE FLAG-THROWING GAMES
Meeting point: Piazza Municipale
When: Sunday 10 May, Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May
Time: to be confirmed
MAGNIFICENT PROCESSION
Meeting point: Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro – Corso Giovecca
When: Saturday, 23 May
Time: 8:45 pm
With over 1,000 participants dressed in Renaissance costumes, the neighbourhoods parade along Corso Giovecca to the Estense Castle.
PALIO RACES
Meeting point: Piazza Ariostea
When: Saturday, 30 May
Time: 8:00 pm
The Palio races take place on the last Saturday of May, in memory of the special Palio held to celebrate the coronation of Borso d'Este as Duke of Ferrara in Rome.
There are four races:
Ferrara FE, Italia
