The Imperiale Contrada della Giraffa lies in the northern reaches of the historic centre, in the Terzo di Camollia, its life centred on the Madonna di Provenzano quarter. Its emblem is a giraffe led by a Moor, beneath a blue cartouche reading Umbertus I dedit (donated by King Umberto I). The origin of the name and emblem is not documented — the contrada's own history states plainly that no reliable hypothesis can be made.
The imperial title
The Giraffa's Imperiale title was granted by royal decree of Vittorio Emanuele III on 25 May 1939, following the contrada's victory in the Palio of 2 July 1936, run "dedicated to the Empire". The colours are white and red.
Patron and feast
The contrada's titolare is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Visitazione di Maria Santissima). Festa Titolare: the first Sunday of June. Annual programme: published each year. The contrada's church is the Oratorio del Suffragio, in the crypt of the Collegiata di Provenzano — its seat since 1824, distinct from the civic Basilica of Santa Maria di Provenzano above it.
Museum and what to see
The Museo della Contrada Imperiale della Giraffa, at its Provenzano seat, holds the contrada's Palio banners, costumes, flags and silver. Visits are available by reservation or during announced special openings.
Practical information
Terzo — Camollia. Seat/church — Collegiata di Provenzano, Oratorio del Suffragio. Società — Società della Giraffa (Via delle Vergini 18). Rival — none declared. Official site — contradadellagiraffa.com.