I have wanted to see the Palio della Rana for a few years, but Covid got in the way. This year it was back. The small town of Fermignano in Le Marche turned on the fun, and the frogs. Don’t worry, frogs are not forced down a race track. They are placed carefully on flat wheelbarrows and are pushed down the track.
It isn’t quite that simple of course, this is Italy and the race is turned into a 3 day event with costumes, music, flag throwing, archery and much more. The frogs are silent participants.
We were only in Fermignano for the final day of the event. We even missed the morning activities, including the Mass and the Benediction of the frogs. We did arrive for lunch and the actual race heats and final.
Driving into Fermignano we were stunned and delighted by the gorgeous scenery.
Fermignano dates back to 200BC but not a lot of the old town is still in place. Ponte di Fermignano, possibly from Roman times, crosses the Metauro River, and makes for a fine entrance into the town. The tower beside the bridge is a medieval construction, remodelled in the 15th century during the reign of Duke Federico of Montefeltro.
It is famous as the birthplace of Donato Bramante, the Renaissance architect, and the Palio which takes place each year on the first Sunday after Easter.
We arrived in time to see the band heading off down the main street. We would see this band many times during the afternoon. They did a marvellous job.
Some participants headed off for lunch.
Each of the 7 contrade, areas of town, compete in the Palio and each one has a place for lunch. 3 hours was set aside for lunch.
We spotted the cariole, wheelbarrows, to carry the frogs.
The starting point for the race.
The track.
At around 3.00pm the festivities began and the participants gathered.
The MC.
The chap in charge of the race.
The vet keeping an eye on the frogs in the blue plastic coat.
The band marched in.
They marched back again.
Drummers lined up to accompany the Sbandieratore from Gubbio. I do love flag throwing.
The frogs were lined up.
Last year’s winner handed over the trophy.
The frog carriers lined up to collect their charges.
The parade began. The trophy was carried ahead.
The chaps waiting to collect the frogs got into place at the finish line.
The heats began. The frog has to be on the cariola. If it jumps off the runner has to stop, pick up the frog and place it back on the cariola. Once across the line the frog is picked up and taken away. I’m not sure how many times the frog has to participate.
Here are some random frog photos.
The frogs do jump off often. The runner has to keep an eye on the frog at all times and be careful not to stand on it if it hops off. One runner put the frog back only to notice the poor thing was upside down and he carefully turned it over. I’m not entirely sure the frogs enjoy the race.
After the heats there was a race of the “Putti”, cherubs, or in this case, children.
This little girl won, to the delight of the crowd.
After another parade and some more flag throwing the final race began. Some participants really suited their costumes.
Looking out for the winner.
The chap in the blue and white went on to win. His frog was just hanging on.
This one had a difficult frog and walked in a bit behind the others.
We spent several hours in a freezing wind with occasional showers so we didn’t stick around for the presentations, dinner and the late night fireworks. I’m sure everyone had a great time.
I love the enthusiasm in these wonderful celebrations. I have been to quite a few over the years, some more than once. I would definitely go back to the Palio della Rana, with a bit of luck in better weather.
Here are couple of fun events I have been to.
The Race of the Ceri in Gubbio.
The race of the candles in Gubbio
The donkey Palio in Torrita di Siena.
The festival of the thrush in Montalcino.
Who won the archery competition?