PALIO DI SAN GIORGIO

It's the oldest joust in Italy. It dates back to 1279, when the lord of the city, Azzo VII Novello d'Este, was celebrated, defeating the German Emperor at the battle of Cassano d'Adda. Ariosto mentions it in song I of his poem Orlando Furioso. The palio is fought on the last Sunday in May or, in case of bad weather, on the ^first Sunday in June. It takes place in Piazza Ariostea, in four races between the eight districts of the city, and is accompanied by a historical parade with a thousand characters in 15th century Ferrarese costumes.