Games of the Gates
The medieval palio of the four Gates of Gualdo Tadino in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel
About Games of the Gates
The Games of the Gates, the medieval soul of Gualdo Tadino
Every year, on the last Sunday of September, Gualdo Tadino — a town in upper Umbria in the province of Perugia, at the foot of Mount Serra Santa — rediscovers its medieval identity with the Games of the Gates, one of the most heartfelt historical re-enactments in the region. The city is divided into four Gates, the ancient districts named after the access gates to the village: Porta San Benedetto (yellow tower on a blue field), Porta San Donato (white field), Porta San Facondino (green field), and Porta San Martino (red field).
The challenge for the Palio of Saint Michael the Archangel
The four Gates compete for the Palio of Saint Michael the Archangel, dedicated to the city's patron saint. The challenge is not just sporting: each Gate works all year round preparing its historical pageant, 15th-century costumes, and competing athletes. About a thousand figures in period dress parade through the streets of the center, representing allegorical scenes or daily life of the 15th century, accompanied by handcrafted wagons.
The competitions and taverns
The competitive heart of the Games consists of the competitions between the Gates: slingshot shooting, archery, the crossbowmen competition, and especially the famous donkey race, the symbolic animal loved by the people of Gualdo, which takes place in the main arena. During the festival days, the four Gates' taverns open their doors, offering traditional Umbrian dishes in an atmosphere that takes you back centuries.
A celebration for the entire community
The Games of the Gates are much more than a spectacle for tourists: they are the moment when the entire community of Gualdo Tadino recognizes itself in its roots. The organization is managed by the Ente Giochi de le Porte APS, which defines the themes of the historical pageants each year and ensures the philological quality of costumes and sets. It is an unmissable event for those who want to experience the most authentic Umbria, far from mass tourist circuits.
Games of the Gates — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Games of the Gates in Gualdo Tadino is scheduled from September 27 to 29, 2026. On April 13, 2026, at the Talia Theater, the Organizing Committee and the Artistic Commission presented the themes for the historical pageants at the conference "Historical Pageants: Guardians of History and Emotions." Among the announced innovations, the complete redesign of the costumes by the Technical Commission, designed by costume designer Massimo Gottardi, confirming the commitment to the historical and artistic quality of the event. The four Gates will compete for the Palio of Saint Michael the Archangel in the traditional competitions: slingshot shooting, archery, crossbow competition, and the donkey race.
Programme Games of the Gates 2026
Friday, September 27
- Opening of the event with the Vivandieri procession and exchange of gifts
- Handover of the City Keys and opening of the four Taverns
- Evening: performance by the Drummers of the Organizing Committee and the four Gates; show by the Flag-wavers and Musicians of Gualdo Tadino
Saturday, September 28
- Shooting practice for the slingshotters and archers of each Gate
- Crossbowmen shooting competition, with awarding of the winner who will escort the Palio
- Historical Pageant of the four Gates: about a thousand figures in 15th-century costumes, with handcrafted wagons
- Reading of the challenge proclamations by the Priors of the four Gates
Sunday, September 29
- In the main arena, the final challenge with the donkey "ne lo lecito e ne lo cavalleresco" (in a lawful and chivalrous manner)
- Four competitions between the Gates: cart race with donkey, slingshot shooting, archery, and bareback race
- Awarding of the Palio of Saint Michael the Archangel to the winning Gate
Themes of the 2026 pageants
- Porta San Martino: "Epistola Presbiteri Iohannis: the legendary king that the peoples of Europe dreamed of for centuries"
- Porta San Donato: "The myth of Hephaestus"
- Porta San Facondino: "Vitis vitae: saints, drinkers, and other harvest stories"
- Porta San Benedetto: "In Schola Francisci — Reading of the first and second life of Thomas of Celano"
Highlights Games of the Gates 2026
Prices Games of the Gates 2026
Practical information — Games of the Gates
How to get there
Gualdo Tadino is located along the SS3 Flaminia, between Perugia and Fabriano. By train, it is served by the Rome–Ancona line (Gualdo Tadino station). By car, take the Gualdo Tadino exit from the SS3 Flaminia.
Tickets
The grandstands along Via Bersaglieri and in Piazza Mazzini are free for all events; for the Historical Pageant and the Palio, grandstand seats can be purchased online through the CiaoTickets ticketing service. The Gates' taverns offer fixed-price or à la carte menus.
Tips
Book your dinner at the tavern in advance. Wear comfortable shoes to move around the historic center during the pageant.
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Where does it take place — Games of the Gates
Centro storico di Gualdo Tadino