Palio of St. Peter

On the second Sunday in June, from morning until evening, an enthralling Palio is held among the six contrade of Abbiategrasso, the Palio di San Pietro. The festival begins with the Holy Mass of the Contrade and the Blessing of horses and jockeys. It continues in the afternoon with a huge historical parade, attended by more than 500 costumed historical figures, followed by the actual race. The Palio consists of a free race with jockeys, from Siena, Asti and Legnano, who are hired by the city's contrade. The race consists of five laps of the racetrack, and the winning contrada is awarded the large velvet banner with the insignia of the Contrade di San Pietro, painted by a local painter.