Corsa delle Bighe
Edition 2026 Heritage History Historical reenactment

Corsa delle Bighe

The folkloristic challenge between the Borgo and Piazza districts on the day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Scheggia

Scheggia e Pascelupo — Perugia (054)
Dates 08 Sep โ€” 08 Sep 2026
Location Scheggia e Pascelupo (054)
Prices Free
Status โ€”

About Corsa delle Bighe

Every September 8th, on the day of the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Scheggia and Pascelupo relive the ancient tradition of the Corsa delle Bighe. The two districts of the town, Borgo and Piazza, challenge each other in a timed race along the streets of the historic center: each district fields a chariot pulled by four men, driven by charioteers towards the finish line. Amidst drummers, open cellars, solemn mass, and fireworks displays, it is the most cherished festival in the small municipality of the Monte Cucco Park, in the province of Perugia.

A challenge between districts

The Corsa delle Bighe is the folkloristic event that animates Scheggia e Pascelupo every year, a small municipality in the Monte Cucco Park in the province of Perugia. It takes place on September 8th, the day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the town's patronal feast. The race pits the two town districts against each other: Borgo, representing the outskirts, and Piazza, representing the historic center, each with its own colors and symbols.

Charioteers and chariots

The heart of the event is the timed race: each district fields a chariot pulled by four men, who take turns along the course, while the charioteers guide the carts towards the finish line. The winning district receives a small brass chariot as a prize, a symbol of victory, followed by celebrations that liven up the districts until late at night.

A day of tradition

The day follows a consolidated ritual: in the morning, drummers parade through the town, the charioteers' breakfast takes place, and the Holy Mass is celebrated; in the afternoon, the race is held. Open cellars, religious events, and fireworks displays accompany the festival, which also includes a special version dedicated to children in August.

Corsa delle Bighe โ€” edition 2026

On September 8, 2026, the Corsa delle Bighe returns to Scheggia and Pascelupo on the day of the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The Borgo and Piazza districts compete in the traditional timed race with chariots along the streets of the historic center, amidst drummers, solemn mass, open cellars, and fireworks displays.

For 2026, the Corsa delle Bighe returns to Scheggia and Pascelupo on September 8th, the day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The day follows the established ritual: in the morning, drummers parade through the town, the charioteers have breakfast, and Holy Mass is celebrated; in the afternoon, the race between the Borgo and Piazza districts, with chariots pulled by four men guided by the charioteers. The winning district receives the traditional brass chariot, followed by celebrations in the districts.

Programme Corsa delle Bighe 2026

September 8 โ€” Nativity of the Virgin Mary

  • Morning โ€” Drummers parade through the town
  • Morning โ€” Charioteers' breakfast
  • Morning โ€” Celebration of Holy Mass
  • Afternoon โ€” Corsa delle Bighe: timed challenge between the Borgo and Piazza districts
  • Evening โ€” Award ceremony for the winning district (brass chariot) and celebrations in the districts

In the days leading up to the race, there are open cellars, religious events, and fireworks displays. The detailed program with times will be published by the organization closer to the event.

Highlights Corsa delle Bighe 2026

The challenge between the Borgo and Piazza districts with chariots and the award ceremony with the brass chariot.

Prices Corsa delle Bighe 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Corsa delle Bighe

How to get there

By car: Scheggia e Pascelupo can be reached from the SS3 Flaminia, on the border between Umbria and Marche. Parking is available near the center.

When

The race takes place on September 8th, the day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Free admission.

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Where does it take place โ€” Corsa delle Bighe

Centro storico di Scheggia

Centro storico, 06027 Scheggia e Pascelupo

Contact Corsa delle Bighe

Corsa delle Bighe in brief

Heritage History Historical reenactment Folk traditions Folklore Family Outdoor Perugia

History of Corsa delle Bighe