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The History Every year, the su 7day following Easter, Fermignano celebrates its independence from Urbino, which was granted by Francesco Maria II della Rovere, Duke of Montefeltro, in 1607. On that occasion probably the population of Fermignano feasted on wine and simple local dishes and celebrated with singing, dancing, games and contests among which perhaps a popular garne of frog racing. In 1966 the town of Fermignano decided to celebrate its independence each year with a similar festival, which has taken the name of "Palio della Rana". This "Palio", is a contest between runners with frogs on fiat wheelbarrows who must race to the finish line without letting the frogs jump off. The runners represent the seven districts of the town: La Torre, Ca' l'Agostina, San Lazzaro, San, Silvestro, Calpino, Pieve, Santa Barbara.The festival begins with a parade. Participants, dressed in costumes of the court of Urbino, enter the main square. The gentlemen farmers head the parade and they are followed by large numbers of pages, lords and ladies, dignitaries, knights, squires, fiag bearing attendants and minstrels. A proclamation of the contest is read to the public and the celebrations commence.
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