Palio dei Cantù
Three days of challenges between the districts of the medieval village of Valle Camonica
About Palio dei Cantù
The village districts challenge each other
The Palio dei Cantù is the grand historical re-enactment that animates Bienno every end of May, a medieval village in Valle Camonica, in the Province of Brescia, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy. For three days, the five historic cantù (districts) of the village — Hagraat, Culture, Pihine, Font a Bien, and Prehten — compete for the palio in a challenge made up of traditional games, skill tests, and district spirit.
Period games, dinners, and duels
The event mixes competition and celebration: from the official presentation of the districts to the "Parada", the heart of the event, to shared medieval dinners, and traditional games like the Mora and the Scarpeta. On Saturday evening, the medieval show by the Confraternita del Leone, featuring duels and re-enactments, lights up the village, while period games continue through the alleys of the historic center until Sunday.
A village that lives its history
The Palio dei Cantù is not just a competition, but a way for the community of Bienno to reclaim its historical identity. The ancient forges, the trip hammers, and the cobbled streets of the village provide a natural backdrop for a festival that involves all ages and, edition after edition, renews the bond of the inhabitants with their medieval roots.
Palio dei Cantù — edition 2026
The twelfth edition brings three days of challenges between the districts to Bienno. From Friday evening, with the presentation of the districts and the medieval dinner, to the period games on Saturday and Sunday, culminating in the medieval show by the Confraternita del Leone, the village transforms into a scene from another era. The five cantù compete: Hagraat, Culture, Pihine, Font a Bien, and Prehten.
Programme Palio dei Cantù 2026
Friday, May 29
- 6:30 PM — Gathering of the districts at the Parish Church parvis
- 7:30 PM — Arrival at the Parada, official presentation of the districts and opening ceremony of the Palio
- Following — Medieval dinner and first challenges with the traditional games of Mora and Scarpeta
Saturday, May 30
- 2:30 PM — Period games at the Parada and in the alleys of the historic center
- 9:30 PM — Grand medieval show by the Confraternita del Leone, featuring duels and historical re-enactments
Sunday, May 31
- 10:00 AM — Gathering at the Parada and resumption of games
- 2:30 PM — Final session of games at the Parada and proclamation of the winning cantù
Highlights Palio dei Cantù 2026
Prices Palio dei Cantù 2026
Practical information — Palio dei Cantù
When
From May 29 to 31, 2026.
Where
Medieval village of Bienno (BS), Valle Camonica. The heart of the events is the "Parada".
How to get there
By car from the SS42 of Valle Camonica, Bienno exit. By train to Bienno or Breno station on the Brescia-Edolo line, then shuttle or a short car ride.
Admission
Free access to the village. Medieval dinners and gastronomic activities are paid.
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Where does it take place — Palio dei Cantù
Borgo medievale di Bienno
Centro storico, La Parada, 25040 Bienno