Humorous Donkey Palio

A symbolic festival of the Island of Elba

The Humorous Donkey Palio takes place in Marina di Campo, the main seaside village of the Municipality of Campo nell'Elba, in the Province of Livorno, in the heart of the Tuscan archipelago. Established in 2014 and growing with each edition, it is now one of the most cherished folkloric events on the Island of Elba, symbolically marking the start of the warm season and attracting residents and visitors from across the Tuscan archipelago.

The eight competing districts

The territory of Campo nell'Elba is divided into eight districts (or rioni), each with its own colors and identity: Porto, Macchioni, Santa Lucia, Piano, Bonalaccia e Filetto, Ginestra, San Piero, and Sant'Ilario. Each year, every district chooses a theme, kept secret until the very last moment and unveiled during the parade, sparking a competition that is as fun-loving as it is passionate.

The allegorical parade

The morning begins with the gathering of the districts in Piazza Dante Alighieri and an allegorical parade that winds through the town center and along the seafront. The procession, accompanied by the music of a unique street band, features participants dressed in traditional rural Campese attire, majorettes, flag-wavers, and the booming drums of the band: a lively tribute to the rural roots of Elba.

The beach race

The highlight is the donkey race on the beach. The donkeys are assigned to the districts by lottery and ridden bareback by amateur jockeys. The race is held in several heats until the final, where only one donkey will emerge victorious: the indomitable and unpredictable nature of the donkeys turns every heat into a comedic spectacle, hence the "humorous" name of the Palio.

Flavors and conviviality

The event is framed by food and wine stalls set up by the districts along the town streets, where you can taste typical Elban dishes and desserts and toast together in a festive atmosphere. Between the parade, music, local flavors, and the final race, the Humorous Donkey Palio is a day of pure joy and local Campese identity.

When and where

The event is held in Marina di Campo, along the seafront and on the beach, traditionally between late winter and early spring. It is organized by the Pro Loco Campo nell'Elba in collaboration with the Municipality of Campo nell'Elba.