Palio di San Pietro

The Palio of the Ticino Town

In Abbiategrasso, in the Metropolitan City of Milan, the Palio di San Pietro is the event that ignites the most heartfelt rivalry each year: the one between the contrade. Organised by the Association Friends of the Palio di San Pietro with the patronage of the city, it is a historical reenactment culminating in a horse race, following the tradition of palii that runs throughout the peninsula.

The Six Contrade

The competitive heart of the event are the six contrade vying for the palio: Gallo, Legnano, Nuova Primavera Cervia, Piattina, San Rocco, and Sforza. Each contrada has its own colours, its own supporters, and a jockey who races for its inhabitants. The Gallo contrada is the current title holder, won in the previous edition.

Historical Procession and Race

The day follows a tried-and-tested and evocative script:

• In the afternoon, the historical costume procession departs from the Visconti Castle and crosses the city centre.
• Flag bearers, ladies, knights, and participants bring the streets of Abbiategrasso to life.
• The horse race takes place at the Fiera district, in Via Ticino.
• The winning contrada claims the palio amidst the cheers of its colours.

A Living Tradition

The Palio di San Pietro is much more than a race: it is a year of work by the contrade, costume preparation, practice, and anticipation. For Abbiategrasso, it represents a moment of strong identity, where the community recognises itself in its roots and history, under the shadow of the Visconti Castle and just a stone's throw from the Ticino Park.