Palio d'la Fosa

A week of festivities in the heart of the Vercelli area

The Palio d'la Fosa is the signature festival of Bianzè, a town in the Province of Vercelli, Piedmont, nestled in the rice-growing plains between Vercelli and Turin. For a full week, usually in June, the town transforms into a grand open-air theater where the four historic districts compete for the palio through a series of challenges, games, and social gatherings. It is one of those local festivals that truly captures the spirit of a community: behind every tournament lies the good-natured rivalry between neighborhoods, a sense of pride, and the joy of coming together.

The four districts and the origin of the name

The heart of the event lies in the four districts into which the town is ideally divided: Castello, Torretta, Cittadella, and San Martino. Each district appoints its own representatives and, in the weeks leading up to the festival, begins the traditional questue (fundraising) to collect money and organize teams. The name of the festival itself pays homage to a local landmark: the Fossa (fosa in the Piedmontese dialect), the large urban spring that has always defined Bianzè and around which a picturesque historical regatta takes place.

Games, tournaments, and tradition

The program balances competition with entertainment for all ages. Among the most anticipated challenges are tournaments in football, bocce, cards, darts, and curling, as well as quiz competitions, talent shows, and traditional games like the Palio d'i matoc (stick games). There is no shortage of parades, musical evenings with DJ sets and live bands, and the closing ceremony with the grand Palio celebration and the proclamation of the winning district.

Fine food and conviviality

• Themed dinners featuring local products (from roast pork to pasta), by reservation
• Street food and food stalls available every evening
• Bar service active throughout the festival
• Entertainment, music, and games open to all, free of charge

A festival revived by the youth

Originating in the 1980s, the festival was brought back to life in 2022 thanks to the efforts of the Youth Council and the Pro Loco of Bianzè, quickly becoming one of the most beloved events of the Vercelli summer. The 2026 edition celebrates the 5th anniversary of this revival, confirming how deeply the Palio d'la Fosa is now part of the town's identity.