Corsa dei Vaporetti
Edition 2026 Heritage Folk traditions Folklore

Corsa dei Vaporetti

The challenge between artisanal boats in the streets of Spoleto

Spoleto — Perugia (054) Since 1966
Dates 11 Jun — 14 Jun 2026
Location Spoleto (054)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Corsa dei Vaporetti

The Corsa dei Vaporetti is one of the most authentic and beloved traditions of Spoleto, in the province of Perugia: a race on artisanal, engine-less boats – the 'vaporetti' – propelled by sheer muscle power along an urban route of about 1,300 meters. Amidst neighbourhood rivalry, ingenuity, and team spirit, the event enlivens the historic centre for several days with presentations, trials, and races, in a popular festival that blends folklore and sport.

The Corsa dei Vaporetti of Spoleto

The Corsa dei Vaporetti is one of the most genuine expressions of the identity of Spoleto (province of Perugia). The "vaporetti" are artisanal, engine-less boats, built by the teams and propelled along an urban route of about 1,300 meters: a race on wheels that reinterprets the idea of a regatta in a fun and competitive way.

Ingenuity, Neighbourhood Rivalry, and Team Spirit

Each team builds and decorates its own vaporetto, creating a competition that combines craftsmanship, imagination, and sport. The event unfolds over several days: from the presentation of the teams in Piazza Garibaldi to the trials, up to the race days that ignite the historic centre. It is an event deeply felt by the community of Spoleto, which also attracts many visitors.

A Tradition That Renews Itself

Born in the 1960s, the Corsa dei Vaporetti continues to evolve while retaining its popular spirit. The most recent editions have seen the birth of new categories and the involvement of youth and women's teams, a sign of a living tradition capable of renewing itself from generation to generation.

Corsa dei Vaporetti — edition 2026

The 60th Corsa dei Vaporetti took place from June 11 to 14, 2026, in Spoleto, with 44 'vaporetti' competing on an urban route of approximately 1,300 meters. Among the innovations was the return of women's teams, absent since 1996, and the new A3 category. On June 11, the teams were presented in Piazza Garibaldi, June 12 featured trials, June 13-14 were race days, and June 20 marked the awards dinner.

The 60th Corsa dei Vaporetti (2026)

The 2026 edition marked the 60th anniversary of the Corsa dei Vaporetti, held in Spoleto from June 11 to 14. Competing were 44 'vaporetti', the artisanal, engine-less boats with two-person crews, on an urban route of approximately 1,300 meters.

Among the significant innovations: the return of women's teams, absent since 1996, and the introduction of the new A3 category, in addition to twelve under-18 teams. The program included the presentation of teams and "misses" in Piazza Garibaldi on June 11, free and timed trials on June 12, race days on June 13 and 14, and the awards dinner on June 20 at Ristorante Zengoni with the election of Miss Vaporetto 2026. For the occasion, a celebratory beer and a historical volume were produced.

Programme Corsa dei Vaporetti 2026

Thursday, June 11

  • Presentation of teams and misses in Piazza Garibaldi

Friday, June 12

  • Free practice and timed trials

Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14

  • Race days on the approximately 1,300-meter urban route (44 'vaporetti', categories including the new A3, women's teams, and under-18s)

Saturday, June 20

  • Awards dinner at Ristorante Zengoni and election of Miss Vaporetto 2026

Highlights Corsa dei Vaporetti 2026

The return of women's teams after 1996, the new A3 category, and the event's 60th anniversary.

Prices Corsa dei Vaporetti 2026

Free participation and viewing along the route.

Practical information — Corsa dei Vaporetti

How to get there

Piazza Garibaldi and the race route are located in the centre of Spoleto, reachable from the train station (Rome-Ancona line). By car: take the Spoleto exit from the SS3 Flaminia.

Costs

The event is free to participate in and watch along the route.

Tips

To watch the races, it is advisable to position yourself along the urban track in advance, especially on the final days.

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Where does it take place — Corsa dei Vaporetti

Centro storico di Spoleto

Piazza Garibaldi, 06049 Spoleto

Contact Corsa dei Vaporetti

Corsa dei Vaporetti in brief

Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Family Playful Sport Outdoor Participatory Perugia

History of Corsa dei Vaporetti