Palio dei Rioni

The Palio dei Rioni of Castiglion Fiorentino

In the heart of the Aretine Valdichiana, the Palio dei Rioni is the most iconic event of Castiglion Fiorentino, a medieval village in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. Three districts—the Terziere di Porta Fiorentina (orange-green), the Rione di Porta Romana (yellow-red), and the Rione Cassero (white-blue)—compete every year for the Palio banner in a horse race that ignites the entire community. The Rioni represent the ancient districts into which the city was divided during the Middle Ages.

A tradition dating back to 1864

The race is held in honor of the Sacred Image of the Madonna delle Grazie del Rivaio and, according to a manuscript from the time, the first edition took place in Piazzale Garibaldi—known to locals as the "Parterre"—on June 5, 1864. The Palio experienced two long interruptions: the first due to World War II and the second from the early 1960s until 1977, the year that marked the beginning of the modern era of the event following the renovation of the square.

The historical pageant and the race

On the day of the race, in the afternoon, the impressive historical pageant comes to life: over five hundred participants from the Rioni parade in medieval and Renaissance costumes, accompanied by groups of musicians and flag-wavers, starting from Piazza del Municipio and crossing the streets of the historic center until they reach Piazzale Garibaldi. In the evening, the sound of a firecracker announces the start of the race: two jockeys for each Rione dash around the Parterre track to capture the coveted banner.

The 2026 edition and new features

The 2026 edition is spread over an entire week of events, with the main day set for Sunday, June 21, 2026. Among this year's new features is the Gran Premio del Mezzosangue, which offers an additional spectacle for the jockeys, alongside the usual tradition of the Paliotto, tournaments between the Rioni, district dinners, and the blessing of the horses in the stables.

An experience to be lived

The Palio dei Rioni is much more than a race: it is the moment when Castiglion Fiorentino rediscovers its medieval identity, amidst district rivalries, flag-wavers, drummers, and the pride of a tradition passed down from generation to generation. An authentic event in lesser-known Tuscany, far from the major tourist circuits but capable of providing an intense and genuine experience.