From medieval origins to the challenge between the eight districts, a route in the Palio di
Ferrara: history, neighborhoods, villages, and iconic sites
The Palio di Ferrara enters its decisive days. After a month of ceremonies and processions, attention is paid to
moves to the final evening, scheduled for Saturday 30 May 2026, from 8pm. Italian
Traditions tells one of the oldest historical traditions in Italy at the time when the
memory of the city passes through the challenge between districts.
The origins of the event date back to 1259, when Ferrara celebrated the victory of Azzo VII
d’Este on Ezzelino da Romano with popular parties and competitions. In 1279 the tradition came
regulated by municipal statutes, which provided for races on the occasion of the feast of St. George
and of the Assumption. Over time, however, the Ferrarese reenactment has been linked above all to the figure of
Borso d’Este and on his return from Rome in 1471, after the investiture as Duke of Ferrara granted
by Pope Paul II. The current races recall precisely that extraordinary celebration, born
to mark one of the most important turning points in the city’s history.
The eight districts of the city, the districts of San Benedetto, San Paolo, are competing for the banners
Santa Maria in Vado and Santo Spirito and the villages of San Giacomo, San Giorgio, San Giovanni and
Saint Luke. Each has colors, insignia, seats, flag-wavers’ groups and musicians. The challenge is not
concentrates only on the final evening, but prepares in the previous months between training sessions,
costumes, rehearsals and ceremonies.
The Palio also offers the opportunity to cross Ferrara starting from the places that explain it
the story. The racing arena is located not far from Corso Ercole I d’Este, from the Addition
Herculea and Palazzo dei Diamanti, among the most famous architectures of the Ferrarese Renaissance.
Descending towards the centre, the Estense Castle and the Cathedral of San Giorgio lead back to the
political and religious heart of the city, while Via delle Volte recalls medieval Ferrara, between
brick arches and the ancient connection with mercantile activities. Complete Schifanoia Palace
ideally the route with the Salone dei Mesi, one of the most important figurative cycles of the
Four hundred Italian.
Many events of the 2026 edition have already taken place, from the Tributes to the Duke to the
Blessing of the Palios and Offering of the Candles, until the Magnificent Procession on May 23. Now
the focus is on the last steps before the races: the rehearsals, the propitiatory dinners
and the final event in Piazza Ariostea.
The final week opens on Wednesday, May 27th with the Horse Trials, scheduled for 9 pm. The
the following day the Donkey and Horse Trials follow, always at 9pm, while on Friday the
districts meet for the traditional Propitiatory Dinners. Saturday 30 May we arrive at the
final evening, with the historical procession and the four races: that of the putti for the red palio of
San Romano, that of the putte for the green palio of San Paolo, that of the donkeys for the palio
white of San Maurelio and that of the horses for the yellow palio of San Giorgio. In case of
bad weather, recovery dates are expected on May 31st or June 1°.
The horse race remains the most followed event, but the meaning of the evening comes from the whole
of the four races. The putti and putte trials bring the new generations of the
districts; that of donkeys maintains a more popular and unpredictable tone; that of horses
closes the competition with the most coveted prize. Each banner weighs on the history of the district
who conquers him: victory enters family stories, fuels the pride of the neighborhood and remains
as a reference for subsequent years.
The Palio is therefore not an event already behind us, but is entering its most intense phase. Ferrara has
already experienced the ceremonial part of the month; now the focus is on the challenge, when
Piazza Ariostea will become the meeting point between the work of the districts and memory
town. For those visiting Ferrara at the end of May, the event is also a way to
get to know the historic center: from the medieval to the Renaissance city, from the streets of the center
to the walls, to the space where history once again competes.