On our archaeological reunion to Ferrara we picked the weekend of the Pallio to visit. We did not see it during the time we worked on the excavations. So, we returned this weekend to see it.
Here is a video of the history of Ferrara and the excavations which includes a picture of a young me.
https://youtu.be/v4zQxFA_dYA?si=EdBMR3XZ3oDEBKOH
The Pallio is a traditional event taking place since 1259. The town is divided into 8 contrade and each mounts a procession to the centre. Here there is some tremendous flag waving and hurling accompanied by drums and trumpets. Then the procession to the Piazza di Ariosto, where there is a stadium for a horse track.
The procession marches to stadium and around the stadium. Then there are foot races, a donkey race and finally a horse race. There is intense rivalry between the groups but a lovely atmosphere.
Spectators have to be patient during the events to allow the joy of the winners to be shared with the winning contrade. The final horse race takes an absolute age to begin because the horses will not settle. Apparently, there is some gamesmanship by trying to exhaust the other teams horses.
It certainly exhausted me. And once they got started at very long last they were recalled almost immediately. I decided to go to bed.
But you can see edited highlights on the official Ferrara youtube post here.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zs0Vel67KpA
When back in the UK I will post some short clips. The flag waving is wonderful.
First posted June 2nd 2025
Discover more from And Did Those Feet
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.