Palio 2026: discover the calendar!

With the arrival of spring, Ferrara once again dresses in the colours of its Contrade. Renaissance costumes, flag throwers, chivalric challenges and spectacular parades will animate the city until the most eagerly awaited moment: the Palio races in Piazza Ariostea, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026.

The Palio of Ferrara, one of the oldest in the world, offers a true immersion into the history of the Este dynasty. For weeks, the squares and streets of the historic centre come alive with historical reenactments, tournaments and performances that bring the city back to the time of the dukes.

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The Homages to the Duke open the Palio season

The calendar begins with the Homages to the Duke, symbolic events that recreate the atmosphere of the Este court in the heart of the city.

The first will take place on Sunday, March 29 in Piazza Castello, featuring the Contrade of Santa Maria in Vado and San Giorgio. From that moment on, every Sunday until the end of April, the Contrade will take turns paying tribute to the Duke with performances by historical figures, musicians and flag throwers. The following events will take place on April 12 with San Giovanni and Santo Spirito, April 19 with San Luca and San Giacomo, and April 26 with San Paolo and San Benedetto. Each day will bring the splendour of the Renaissance back to Piazza Castello with two performances: the first homage at 10:15 am and the second at 11:15 am.

Chivalric challenges and flag games

The Palio calendar continues in April with one of the most spectacular events of Ferrara’s historical tradition. On Saturday, April 18, Piazza Municipale will host the Torneo del Fante, a chivalric duel in which the champions of the eight Contrade face each other armed with shield and club.

May is the Palio month par excellence. It begins on Saturday, May 9 at 4:00 pm, when the Blessing of the Palii and the Offering of the Candles will take place inside Ferrara Cathedral in the presence of the Bishop. The following day, Sunday, May 10, Piazza del Municipio will host the Youth Games of the Este Flag Throwers, with competitions for younger participants starting at 9:00 am and again at 3:00 pm. In case of bad weather, the events will move to the Copparo Sports Hall.

The weekend of May 16 and 17 will see the Ancient Games of the Este Flag Throwers, again in Piazza del Municipio, with the senior categories performing spectacular choreographies with flags and drums. Saturday’s competitions will start at 8:30 pm, while Sunday’s will begin at 4:00 pm. In case of bad weather, these events will also be moved to Copparo.

The Magnificent Parade and the anticipation of the races

One of the most evocative moments of the celebration is the Magnificent Parade, scheduled for Saturday, May 23. Hundreds of participants from the Contrade and the Este Court will parade in Renaissance costumes along Corso Martiri della Libertà to Piazza Castello, where each Contrada will present its champions to the city.

During the following week the excitement will continue to build with the official trials: Wednesday, May 27 will see the horse trials, followed on Thursday, May 28 by the donkey and horse trials. As tradition dictates, the eve of the races will be dedicated to the propitiatory dinners held in the Contrade headquarters.

The races in Piazza Ariostea

The most eagerly awaited moment will arrive on Saturday, May 30, when from 8:00 pm the Contrade will enter the beautiful Piazza Ariostea for the Palio races. Four competitions will take place: the races of the putti, the putte, the donkeys, and the horses. Each race will determine the winning Contrada in an evening filled with spectacle and tradition.

With the night races and the unique atmosphere of the illuminated square, Ferrara will once again celebrate one of its most beloved traditions, capable of involving the entire city and captivating visitors from all over Italy.