Corsa delle Botti
The challenge between barrels and barrel makers in the village of Costacciaro, at the foot of Monte Cucco
About Corsa delle Botti
A challenge that runs through the centuries
The Corsa delle Botti is the most characteristic event in Costacciaro, a small village in the province of Perugia nestled at the foot of Monte Cucco. Born in 1991, the race celebrates the territory's wine tradition and is closely linked to the feast of San Martino, when new wine was once tasted.
The race between the barrels
The highlight is the spectacular race between two barrels, mounted on an axle with a tiller and pushed by teams of young bottaioli (barrel makers). The barrels speed along a route of about 650 metres that crosses the historic centre — Corso Mazzini, Via Guglielmo Marconi, and Via Ines Marconi — amidst climbs, turns, and a steep descent where the barrel can reach high speeds. The race is held in multiple timed heats: the team with the best overall time wins.
The peasant re-enactment
The challenge is preceded by a grand parade: over 150 costumed figures in period attire re-enact scenes of peasant life, accompanying the two barrels through the village streets. In the typical cellars of San Martino, chestnuts and new wine are enjoyed, in an atmosphere that takes you back in time.
The village teams
The competition pits the contrade (districts) of the village against each other, animating taverns and cellars during the festival days. The Corsa delle Botti is today a major attraction that promotes Costacciaro and the entire Monte Cucco Park area, in Umbria.
Corsa delle Botti — edition 2026
The Corsa delle Botti returns to Costacciaro in Autumn 2026, renewing a tradition started in 1991 and linked to the feast of San Martino. The event includes a parade with over 150 figures in peasant attire, taverns open in the village serving chestnuts and new wine, and, as the highlight, the race between the two barrels pushed by teams of barrel makers along the approximately 650-metre route in the historic centre. The precise dates and detailed programme will be announced by the Pro Loco of Costacciaro and on the website corsadellebotti.it in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Corsa delle Botti 2026
The exact dates and full programme for the 2026 edition will be published on the official website corsadellebotti.it and by the Pro Loco of Costacciaro. The established format includes: opening of the taverns on festival days with chestnuts and new wine, costume parade with over 150 figures re-enacting scenes of peasant life, and the race between the two barrels pushed by the barrel makers along the historic centre route, divided into multiple timed heats.
Highlights Corsa delle Botti 2026
Prices Corsa delle Botti 2026
Practical information — Corsa delle Botti
Where
Historic centre of Costacciaro (PG): Corso Mazzini, Via Guglielmo Marconi, Via Ines Marconi.
When
In autumn, traditionally coinciding with the feast of San Martino. The taverns open the evening before.
How to get there
By car from the SS3 Flaminia; Costacciaro is located along the state road between Gubbio and Fossato di Vico.
Contacts
Pro Loco of Costacciaro and website corsadellebotti.it.
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Where does it take place — Corsa delle Botti
Centro storico di Costacciaro
Corso Mazzini, 06021 Costacciaro