Donkey Palio

The Donkey Palio of Cocconato

In the heart of the Asti Monferrato, the hilltop village of Cocconato—located in the Piedmont region—celebrates one of the area's most beloved and original folk traditions every year: the Donkey Palio. On the last Sunday of September, the squares and alleys of the historic center come alive with color, costumes, music, and the infectious joy of the donkey race between the seven town districts.

A tradition rooted in the Middle Ages

The event blends legend and history. Tradition has it that after the feudal castle burned down, the local lords sought to compensate the people of Cocconato with a race featuring donkeys, the humble animals that serve as a symbol of the town. The modern festival began around 1960, with its first official edition held in 1970; since then, the Palio has grown into a defining event for the entire community.

The historical pageant

The scenic heart of the day is the grand historical pageant: hundreds of participants dressed in meticulously recreated medieval attire—ladies, knights, commoners, men-at-arms, and flag-wavers—parade through the village streets, recreating scenes of past life. The blessing of the banners, the investiture, and the noble procession lead the community toward the most anticipated moment.

The donkey race and the seven districts

The challenge features the seven districts of Cocconato: Airali, Brina, Colline Magre, Principato di Moransengo, San Carlo, Torre, and Tuffo, each with its own colors and fierce rivalry. Each district fields one donkey and five runners who take turns along the course, urging their animal on while trying to slow down their opponents. The result is an unpredictable, hilarious, and hard-fought race that captivates the entire square.

Medieval dinner and surrounding events

On the eve of the race, the evocative Propitiatory Medieval Dinner is held in the Cortile del Collegio, featuring dishes inspired by historical recipes, music, and live performances. The Palio is also part of a particularly rich September in Cocconato, which includes the Medieval Fair and other food, wine, and cultural events, crowning the village's festival season.

An experience to live in Monferrato

A heritage of the Municipality of Cocconato and the entire province of Asti, the Donkey Palio is much more than a race: it is a celebration of collective identity and an opportunity to discover a village overlooking the Monferrato hills—a land of great wines and UNESCO-listed landscapes—on one of the most vibrant and well-attended days of the year.