The Palio of Ferrara

Every year on the last Sunday in May-since 1279-the oldest Palio has been held in Ferrara, recalling both the celebrations organized for the victory of the papal army over the imperial army and the Renaissance era, when Ferrara excelled among other cities in Italy and Europe. The enthralling event is opened, eight days before the race, by a parade in historical costumes attended by more than a thousand figures representing the city's eight contrade (districts). There are four competitions - in Ariostea Square - and each one is marked by a palio of a different color: the green one is dedicated to St. Paul and is the prize for the "Corsa delle Putte," the red one is in honor of St. Roman and is the trophy for the "Corsa dei Putti," then the white one is dedicated to St. Maurelio as the prize for the "Corsa delle Asine," and finally the yellow one is in honor of St. George and is the prize for the "Corsa dei Cavalli." There is also no shortage of flag-waving and musician competitions.