Cantà Maggio – District Palio
Four days of folk traditions, games, and district challenges in the heart of the Mugello region
About Cantà Maggio
Cantà Maggio, the soul of Barberino di Mugello
In the heart of the Mugello, at the foot of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Cantà Maggio has been the event that best captures the identity of Barberino di Mugello, in the province of Florence, for decades. For four days, the streets and squares of the historic center transform into a grand folk stage where the peasant tradition of welcoming spring meets the competitive spirit of the Palio dei Rioni and the conviviality typical of Tuscany.
The challenge of the five districts
The town is divided into five districts that vie for the Palio: Badia, Centro Storico, Giudea, Girandola, and La Pesa. The modern competition began in 1987 as a re-enactment of ancient spring festivals and was relaunched in 2005 by a group of local youths together with the Pro Loco and the Municipality. Winning the Palio is determined by a series of events that change from year to year and take place in different locations around the town.
- Tug-of-war (men's and women's)
- Martinaccio race
- Steering wheelbarrows and carts
- Barrel race
- Pasta-rolling competition and traditional gastronomic challenges
Winning the Palio is a matter of great prestige for the district: three consecutive victories earn the coveted "Albero" (Tree), the ultimate symbol of supremacy. The award ceremony takes place on Sunday in Piazza Cavour, the heart of the festival.
The May singers and the celebration
Alongside the competitions, Cantà Maggio preserves its more poetic side: the maggiaioli, with their ancient folk songs, walk through the town streets singing the melodies that announce the arrival of the warm season. Concerts, DJ sets, musical performances, exhibitions of ancient crafts, and artisan workshops complete a program designed for both adults and children.
The flavors of the Mugello
In each district, food stalls are set up offering the best flavors of the Mugello territory, from local products to traditional recipes. On the final Sunday, the May Market and the fair involve the entire town, turning Barberino di Mugello into a showcase of local excellence. An authentic, free, and deeply rooted festival that attracts visitors from all over Tuscany every year.
Cantà Maggio — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Cantà Maggio celebrated the twentieth edition of the District Palio, enlivening the streets and squares of the historic center of Barberino di Mugello for four days. Peasant history merged with the competitive spirit of the Palio and the conviviality typical of the festival.
The five districts of Badia, Centro Storico, Giudea, Girandola, and La Pesa competed in traditional games such as tug-of-war, the Martinaccio race, and steering wheelbarrows and carts. Between concerts, DJ sets, exhibitions of ancient crafts, and artisan workshops, the final Sunday saw the May Market involve the entire town, with the maggiaioli and their traditional folk songs and the final award ceremony in Piazza Cavour.
Programme Cantà Maggio 2026
Thursday, May 21 — Inauguration
- Itinerant parade with the "Giuseppe Verdi" Philharmonic of Barberino and the Polisportiva Mugello 88
- Blessing of the Palio and delivery of the jokers
- First game: "Barrels uphill" (La Pesa district)
- Traditional pasta-rolling competition
- Musical show dedicated to the nineties
Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23
Days dedicated to alternating folk games, concerts, DJ sets, and gastronomic events distributed in the various districts. Among the scheduled competitions: "Steering wheelbarrows", "Martinaccio race", "Steering carts", and "Tug-of-war". In the Badia district, the "Street of games of the past" is set up.
Sunday, May 24 — Grand finale
- May Market and fair throughout the town
- Exhibitions of ancient crafts and artisan workshops
- Maggiaioli and itinerant groups with folk songs of May
- Folk music with the "Briganti della Maremma"
- Palio award ceremony in Piazza Cavour
Highlights Cantà Maggio 2026
Prices Cantà Maggio 2026
Practical information — Cantà Maggio
How to get there
Barberino di Mugello is easily reached by car via the A1 motorway (Barberino di Mugello exit). From Florence, it is about 35 km north along the SS65 or the A1. The events take place in the historic center, around Piazza Cavour.
Admission
Access to the event is free. Food stalls and some activities require payment.
Tips
Sunday, with the May market and the Palio award ceremony, is the most crowded and atmospheric day. We recommend arriving early and parking in the areas outside the historic center, which is closed to traffic during the festival.
Contacts
Pro Loco for Barberino — tel. +39 324 0872050 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Cantà Maggio
Centro storico di Barberino di Mugello
Piazza Cavour, 50031 Barberino di Mugello