Palio of the 10 Municipalities – Montagnana
A horse race, ten municipalities competing, a town that returns to the Middle Ages. Montagnana brings history and passion to life amid drums, parades, and ancient walls.
Sunday, August 23
11:00 a.m. – Castel San Zeno
Opening of the 8th edition of “Mostra Palio in Arte”
An art exhibition dedicated to the Palio: works, colors, and symbols that tell the story of the event’s tradition and historical identity. Presentation of the works that will be awarded to the winners of the Corsa del Palio, the Corsa dei Gonfaloni, and the “In Optimus” Prize
Saturday, August 30
9:00 p.m. – Montagnana (Tendopoli del Vallo)
– Captains’ Oath Ceremony
The captains of the ten participating contrade gather for the traditional oath of loyalty. The ceremony includes a medieval banquet with food and spiced wine, the symbolic lighting of candles before the altar, and the drawing of lots for the heats for the subsequent races.
Thursday, September 3
8:00 p.m. – Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
– Propitiatory Dinner
Traditional medieval-style banquet to wish the districts and participants good luck before the competitions.
Friday, September 4
From 7:00 p.m. to midnight – Montagnana, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
Opening of the Medieval Tavern
Performance by the Palio’s Musicians and Flag-Wavers
*** Saturday, September 5
Starting at 10:00 a.m. – Historic Center (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Via Carrarese, Via Matteotti)
– Medieval Market and Traditional Crafts
Stalls, artisans, and recreations of historic workshops, with entertainment featuring jugglers and jesters.
11:00 a.m.
– Medieval Tavern Opens
The medieval-style food and wine experience continues.
From 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Left side of Porta XX Settembre
– Tenzone degli Arcieri
A competition among archers in period costume, featuring tests of accuracy and technique.
9:00 p.m.
– Historical procession with torchlight parade
An evocative nighttime parade featuring costumed participants and lit torches.
10:00 p.m. – Vallo della Rocca degli Alberi
– Focoleria Equestre Show
A breathtaking performance featuring horses, fire, and choreography by the Cavalieri della Torre Antica, G-Horse, the Compagnia del Fuoco di Montagnana, the Compagnia d’arme et caccia de li Squarzacoje, and the organizing committees of the Palio dei 10 Comuni del Montagnanese.
– Fire of the City/Fortress
A theatrical reenactment of the siege and a symbolic burning of the fortress
*** Sunday, September 6
Starting at 9:00 a.m. – Historic Center
– Medieval market, traditional crafts, entertainment
. The experience continues amid the sounds, colors, and arts of the Middle Ages.
Starting at 4:00 p.m.
– Historical parade through the city streets
A solemn ceremony featuring all the participating municipalities
Starting at 5:00 p.m. – Vallo della Rocca degli Alberi
– Elimination heats – Banner Race
Elimination races to determine the finalists of the race
– Performance by musicians and flag-wavers from “
” Final performances before the main competition.
– THE PALIO RACE
Highlight of the event: the districts compete against each other to win the Palio in a thrilling and spectacular race.
