Historical Parade of Prato
In the 13th century Prato, bound to its republican identity, shone with pride on the 8th of September, the day of the nativity of the Virgin, welcoming travelers from all over Tuscany. In those days the ancient Display of the Sacred Belt was an extraordinary event. The entire government of the Republic of Prato joined the embassies of other important Tuscan cities, creating a unique homage, both to the Madonna and to the city itself.
The stories of the time say that the celebrations began already the day before. Musicians from Siena, Lucca, Pistoia, Volterra, Colle, San Gimignano, San Miniato, Pescia, as well as from the Florentine Signoria and the Captains of the Guelph Party, arrived in Prato to honor the Municipality. With their instruments and colorful clothes, together with those from Prato, they offered shows that fascinated the crowd.
After Vespers, the procession moved through the streets of the city, with the participation of the secular and regular clergy, the artisan guilds, the Otto, the Gonfalonier, the Podestà and the other magistrates. After a long way, the procession reached the parish church of S. Stefano, today the Cathedral of Prato. The Treasurer of the Municipality brought an offering to the altar of the Sacred Belt, while the Guilds of the Arts, the mayors of the districts and the villas of the countryside made donations in money and wax. On the 8th of September, the celebration reached its height with the Display of the Sacred Belt. To cope with the large turnout, a pulpit was even built outside the parish church, thus allowing the faithful to see the Belt from the square.
For three days, the city celebrated the Madonna of the Fair, hosting a large fair since the early thirteenth century. Buyers came from all over Tuscany, bringing with them local merchandise and products. The streets and squares came alive with the legume sellers, the butchers, the farmers with their crops, and artisans of all kinds. The inns and taverns were crowded with buyers, pilgrims and curious people. Parties and banquets were everywhere, and bakers placed the seal of the ancient Prato community on the bread.
Over the centuries, the Parade and its customs have undergone changes, but the tradition of the Parade and the fair has maintained its relevance. In the 16th century, books and documents spoke of it as one of the most important events in Tuscany. The words of Niccolò Machiavelli in his work "La Mandragola" still resonate today: "There was never a fair held in Prato without me going..."
Today, the Parade of Prato continues to take us into the past, preserving history with affection. Every year, new fascinating shows are added to the celebration of the 8th of September, which remains the most heartfelt event in Prato. An exciting journey into the heart of Prato's history that we invite you to discover and experience.
