The Palio di Contesa Estense in Lugo

The festivities associated with Duke Borso d'Este's stay in the town of Lugo's castle in 1471 have been revived for centuries in the Palio di Contesa Estense. The event lasts nine days, coinciding with the feast of Sant'Illaro Abate da Galeata, patron saint of Lugo. The Palio begins with a historical procession during which each district impersonates, with costumes carefully crafted to the smallest detail, characters who really existed in the 15th century. The games involve the four districts competing in tests of skill, among the main ones are those of the flag-wavers and musicians, divided into two categories (under and senior) that are awarded with drapes. One of the most special competitions of the Palio is the Caveja, which is contested by the four teams at the same time. During the Caveja, each ward must succeed by means of ropes to pull from its side of the table a wheel of an old farm wagon to which is attached a steel pole with a coat of arms decorated with allegorical images.