Ferrara Palio

The oldest Palio in the world

The Ferrara Palio claims the title of the oldest Palio in the world: local chronicles trace its origins back to 1259, when the people of Ferrara, to celebrate the victory obtained at Cassano d'Adda by Azzo VII d'Este over the tyrant Ezzelino III da Romano, organized races for footmen and maids, donkeys and horses. Since then, the tradition has been renewed over the centuries, intertwined with the splendor of the Este court, and today it represents the quintessential identity event of the Municipality of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage city in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.

The eight Contrade

The city is divided into eight Contrade: the four districts enclosed within the medieval walls - San Benedetto, Santa Maria in Vado, San Paolo, and Santo Spirito - and the four external villages - San Giacomo, San Giorgio, San Giovanni, and San Luca. Each Contrada parades with its own colors and fields its own athletes, flag bearers, musicians, and re-enactors, creating a sporting and local rivalry that animates Ferrara throughout the spring.

A month of events

The event unfolds over more than a month of appointments. It begins with the Homages to the Duke in Piazza Castello, on Sundays between late March and April, where the Contrade pay homage to the lord of the city. This is followed by the Footmen's Tournament, the Blessing of the Palios with the offering of candles in the Cathedral, and the Este Flag Games - youth and senior - in Piazza Municipio, authentic flag-throwing competitions that test precision and spectacle.

The Magnificent Procession and the Palio Races

The most spectacular moment is the Magnificent Procession, with over a thousand re-enactors in Renaissance attire parading through the streets of the historic center. The climax is the day of the Palio Races in Piazza Ariostea, where four races are held: the race for the boys for the red Palio of San Romano, that for the girls for the green Palio of San Paolo, the donkey race for the white Palio of San Maurelio, and finally the horse race for the prestigious yellow Palio of San Giorgio.

Living tradition

Amidst drum rolls, colorful banners, and packed stands, the Ferrara Palio combines competition, historical memory, and civic pride. It is an unmissable event for those who want to discover the Renaissance soul of Emilia-Romagna and experience the thrill of a tradition passed down for over seven centuries.