Il Palio of Legnano is celebrated every year at the end of May to commemorate the victory of the Lombard League of Municipalities against Emperor Frederick Barbarossa on 29 May of 1176. It is not as famous nor as ancient as that of Siena, but the rivalry between the districts is quite strong and the whole city comes alive with figures in medieval clothes during the month of May.
Already starting from 25 April the manors of the eight districts open to host dinners and special events. On the occasion of May 1st it will be possible to visit the manors where the clothes and armor that will be used for the historical parade will be exhibited. There will be shows in medieval costumes, games for children, bands and flag-wavers both in the headquarters of the districts and in the main square of the town.
Sunday May 26 is the day of the Palio and the historical parade. A long parade crosses the streets of the city, with the representatives of the municipalities of the league in the front row with their respective banners. The groups of the districts follow, each with their own clothes, symbols, colors and jewels, which represent various aspects of medieval life: war, music and dance, work, nobility, hunting, games ...
Il Carroccio, a cart pulled by oxen around which the historic battle was fought, the procession, accompanied by infantry and captain Alberto da Giussano, closes. The cross of Ariberto is carried on the Carrroccio, the prize for the district winning the palio, which is played in the city stadium at the end of the day.
For more detailed information or to purchase i tickets for the palio you can visit the site http://www.paliodilegnano.it/
