Palio degli Asini e Fiera del Carmine

A popular tradition of Presolana

The Palio degli Asini e Fiera del Carmine is one of the most characteristic events of the summer in Songavazzo, a village in Val Seriana at the foot of Presolana, in the province of Bergamo. An event that combines the spectacle of a popular 'palio' (a traditional race) with the tradition of the devotional Carmine fair, in a day of celebration that involves the entire community.

The donkey race

The heart of the day is the Palio degli Asini, the amusing and highly anticipated race featuring donkeys led by their jockeys in a challenge that's both hilarious and exciting to cheer for. It's a form of popular sport rooted in mountain rural culture, where the donkey was a precious animal for work in the fields and woods. The race takes place at the municipal sports center and draws great enthusiasm every year, with cheering crowds and the merriment of the competing teams.

The Carmine Fair

Accompanying the 'palio' is the Fiera del Carmine, linked to the devotion for the Madonna del Carmelo (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), featuring stalls, typical local products, handicrafts, and entertainment. The fair transforms the village into a meeting place and a festive hub, where devotional traditions intertwine with popular and gastronomic ones.

A festival for the whole community

Promoted by the Municipality of Songavazzo, the event is a must-see on the summer calendar of the Borghi della Presolana (Villages of Presolana). Between the donkey race, the fair, and conviviality, the Palio degli Asini e Fiera del Carmine showcases the authentic spirit of a small mountain village that knows how to celebrate while cherishing its roots.