8. The Contesa dello Stivale (Contest of the Boot)

The Contesa dello Stivale (Contest of the Boot) is a costumed relay race between the representatives of the town districts (contrade). There are 6 participants, all from Filottrano and preferably members of the respective contrada. They compete wearing the contrada costume, shorts, and appropriate running shoes, and they carry a torch made of rags, pitch, and wax, which must remain lit throughout the entire course.

The winning Contrada of the relay has the honor of setting fire to the straw puppet that represents the unknown Osimo knight who fled, leaving his boot behind. The winners also keep the Boot Emblem for a whole year as a symbol of victory over the other Contrade.