Donation of the Tapers: The Palio del Niballo Comes to Life
In the solemn setting of the Cathedral of San Pietro, Faenza renews one of its most ancient and evocative rituals: the Donation of the Tapers. The event, which traditionally takes place on the Saturday preceding the feast of the Madonna delle Grazie (the city’s Patron Saint), marks the official start of the celebrations related to the Niballo Palio of Faenza.
6:00 PM
Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo (Faenza Cathedral)
The Ceremony
The Municipal Group and the five city Districts (White, Yellow, Black, Red, and Green) reach the Cathedral in a historical procession. Here, as a sign of devotion and tribute to the Patron Saint, six finely decorated tapers bearing the district and municipal coats of arms are offered.
The culminating moment of the celebration is the delivery of the Niballo Cloth: the Bishop of Faenza officially entrusts the palio (the prize of the joust) to the city, thus symbolically kicking off the challenge between the knights that will take place in June at the Bruno Neri Stadium.
Curiosity and Tradition
- District Identity: Each taper is a work of art bearing the heraldic insignia of its respective district.
- The Patron Saint: The ceremony is dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie, protector of Faenza, whose feast falls on the second Sunday of May.
- Historical Procession: A unique opportunity to admire the costumes and insignia of the Municipal Group in a context of great sacredness.
A rite that unites faith, history, and district passion. Citizens are invited to participate in this fundamental moment of Faenza’s identity. ️
