Every year in the Italian city of San Miniato (Italian). San Miniato, in the suburb of Balconevisi, the Duck Festival (Palio del Papero) takes place, also called the Palio Races. This unusual holiday – is more of a sporting event than a culinary one, the main characters of which are marathon ducks.
Do you want to feel the flavor of an Italian holiday in a small town? Then, on your way from Florence to Pisa, visit San Miniato. The Duck Festival is held every year on the second weekend in October.
This fun festival has been held since 1982. The main spectacular action of the – duck race festival, where quacking rivals run a distance, competing with each other. This fun marathon is traditionally attended by representatives of the four cities – Il Borgo, Fondo di Scesa, Buccio and Formacino. Participants try to overtake each other at maximum speed, and the audience and «coach» encourage them in every possible way.
By the way, everyone can place bets, just like on real races and races. But don't get too carried away, because ducks are less predictable than horses or dogs.
Also during the duck festival, various festive festivities, a historical parade where residents remember significant dates in their area, and, of course, a fair where national dishes are served take place. Guests can see a lot of interesting things and try local cuisine. This sweet and fun event traditionally attracts many onlookers from nearby towns, as well as tourists.
Sometimes the Duck Festival coincides with another event in the city, the – holiday in honor of Madonna Rosario, which, according to the Catholic Church, officially falls on October 7, but is celebrated here on the second weekend of the month.