The Palio of Ferrara is the oldest in the world. As a matter of fact in 1279 the Commune of Ferrara recognized a folk tradition started about 20 years before to celebrate the victory of the Marquis and Lord of the town Azzo VII Novello d’Este in 1259. The first prize for the winner of the race was “the palio”, a piece of cloth.
The tradition of the Palio had great fame during the dukedom period but was interrupted in 1860.
There are significant testimonies about its past from a lot of chroniclers of the time. Even the great Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto wrote about the Palio of Ferrara in his masterpiece Orlando Furioso, and the famous painter Francesco del Cossa frescoed the walls of Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara with scenes of the Palio.
The Historical Procession
The Historical Procession of the Palio of Ferrara is formed by about 1,100 people wearing typical Ferrara costumes of the 15th century. These people are divided into `dame’ (Ladies), `Cavalieri’ (Lords), `Gonfalonieri’ (people carrying the banner with the symbol of the `contrada’ painted or embroidered on it), `Armigeri’ (warriors), `Musici’ (musicians), and `Sbandieratori’ (people who execute traditional exercises with flags).
Beside being part of the Palio, the people forming the Historical procession have been present at numerous folk shows, in Italy and abroad as well, making themselves admired especially for their beautiful costumes and the skill of the sbandieratori.
The Palio Today
Presently the Palio of Ferrara takes place once a year, on the last Sunday of May (on the first Sunday of June in case of rain). This date has been chosen in order to recall the one of the most famous special events which took place in 1471 to welcome Borso d’Este coming back from Rome where the Pope Paul II had conferred the title of Duke of Ferrara upon him.
For this reason all the costumes are made according to the period’s style.
The races are run in the historical Piazza Ariostea a square rounded by numerous buildings which have a great architectural value. The whole square was planned by Biagio Rossetti, the forerunner of the modern urbanists.
On Saturday 20 April from 3pm in Piazza del Municipio the first real trophy of the Palio season will be held with the Fante Tournament, which will see the 8 districts compete in a knightly challenge, with the champions armed with shield and club.
On May 9th from 4pm there will be a great celebration for the return of the Blessing of the Palios and the Offering of the Candles inside the Cathedral of Ferrara in the presence of the Bishop. On the weekend of 11 and 12 May the Ancient Games of the Estensi Flags will fill the Town Hall square, with under and senior category competitions involving children and adults.
On Saturday 18 May starting from 9pm the stars are the participants of the Magnificent Procession, which will parade from the Prospettiva di Corso Giovecca to Piazza Castello, a place where each of the 8 districts will present to the city the champions who the following week will compete to win the 4 Ariostea square races. The procession also awards the “Nino Franco Visentini Prize” to the village or district that creates the best choreography.
Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th May spotlights will be on on the track in Piazza Ariostea, which will host the horses and donkeys trials. On Friday 29 May the Propitiatory Dinners in the districts and in the court, where between joy and hope the people of the Palio will await the great event on Saturday 30 May, which will open from 8pm in Piazza Ariostea with the arrival of the participants from the districts and the Ducal Court in the parade.
From 9pm the races of cherubs (Palio Rosso di San Romano), puttas (Palio Verde di San Paolo), donkeys (Palio Bianco di San Maurelio) and horses (Palio Oro di San Giorgio). In case of bad weather the races will be restarted on Sunday 31 May.
Information
ENTE PALIO DI FERRARA
Phone: 0532 751263
Fax: 0532 752207