The Historic Palio of Parma

The Palio of Parma has ancient origins, dating back to 1313 when it was celebrated on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The current Palio is held, however, on the third weekend of September and is one of the most anticipated and beloved festivals among the population. The Palio is contested among the five teams representing the ancient city gates, which once gave access to the city from the different parts of the countryside. The race is preceded by a re-enactment of the engagement between Ghiberto da Correggio and Maddalena Rossi and a performance by jesters and acrobats. Once the two shows are over, the Palio begins with the "Asinorum" one, in which children compete riding small donkeys, followed by the "Palio dei Giovani" and the "Palio dei Special." The last races are the "Green Cloth Palio"-a women's relay race-and the "Scarlet" Palio, a men's relay race.