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PALIO DI FERRARA

Flag-waving competitions, historical parade and horse race in typical costumes of the 15th Century
Piazza Ariostea
Ferrara (FE)

Palio race 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, celebration in the town has not been altered.

A month of celebrations, parades, races and competitions between the eight Contrade [quarters tied to the parish] to win the precious banner dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of Ferrara.

The month of May welcomes the figurants in original costume who parade through the streets of the city centre and the hard-fought flag-throwing competitions in Piazza del Municipio lead up to the spectacular horse race in Piazza Ariostea.

Date: from 08/05/2010 to 30/05/2010
Event timetable: see programme

Programme:
8 May, h.21.00
Cathedral
BLESSING OF THE PALII: the Contrade take part to the Holy Mass in the Cathedral, each of them offering a candle to the altar. The bishop blesses the "palii", the prizes for the winners of the four races all'altare.

9 May, h.9.00 and h 15.00
Piazza Municipale
JUNIOR FLAG-WAVING GAMES

15 May, h. 21.00
16 May, h 16.00
Piazza Municipale
OLD GAMES OF THE ESTE FLAGS
The flag wavers of the Ferarra Palio have been masters of their art for hundreds of years and have won numerous international competitions. These competitions also draw a huge crowd of devoted fans. The music, colour and acrobacy of these exhibitions has the effect of carrying the public back in time to the golden days of when the Este family ruled the city.

22 May, h. 21.00
Corso Ercole I d'Este - Este Castle
HISTORICAL PROCESSION
The contrade, represented by over 1000 people in Renaissance costumes, parade from the Porta degli Angeli along Corso Ercole I d’Este to the torch-lighted Castle. In the square, before the Duke and the Este court, they enrol in the palio contests and take a solemn oath.

28 May, h.18.00
29 May, h 9.30 and h 18.00
Piazza Ariostea
TASTING OF HORSES

30 May, h.16.00
RACES OF THE PALIO
The races take place every year on the last Sunday of May, to recall the extraordinary Palio that celebrated the crowning of Borso d'Este as first Duke of Ferrara in 1471. The races, preceeded by the historical parade, are four:
Corsa dei putti - Boys' race (Palio di San Romano)
Corsa delle putte - Girls' race (Palio di San Paolo)
Corsa delle asine - Donkey race (Palio di San Maurelio)
Corsa dei cavalli - Horse race (Palio di San Giorgio).