Palio dei Rioni of Serravalle Sesia
The historic donkey race and medieval pageant of the eight Rioni in Valsesia
About Palio dei Rioni Serravalle
A tradition that divides the town into eight Rioni
The Palio dei Rioni of Serravalle Sesia is one of the most beloved events in the municipality of Serravalle Sesia, in the Province of Vercelli, in the heart of the Piedmontese Valsesia. Born in the late 1970s from a group of young people who wanted to challenge each other through games and a donkey race, it has evolved over the decades into a true identity-defining event that splits the town into eight rival Rioni.
The five historic Rioni — Falco, Grillo, Scoiattolo, Volpe, and Grifone (which replaced the Lepre in 2001) — recall the ancient Borgofranco; in 1995, the Rioni of the hamlets Piane, Bornate, and Vintebbio were added: Aspide, Civetta, and Lupo. Each Rione works all year round to prepare for the pageant, the sets, and the final challenge.
The medieval pageant and the donkey race
The heart of the festival is the historical pageant in medieval costume that winds through the town's streets: today it boasts about four hundred participants, accompanied by floats, flag-wavers, and guest groups. However, the most anticipated moment remains the donkey race at the Innocente Bossi Municipal Sports Field, where the Rioni compete for the hand-painted banner, the "Palio" that gives the event its name.
Over time, the festival has been enriched by preparatory theatrical evenings staged by the inhabitants of the Rioni at the Municipal Theatre, medieval games dedicated to children, and a large communal dinner that concludes the festivities in Piazza Libertà.
A festival for the whole community
The Palio involves primary and secondary schools, local associations, and the Pro Loco, and is organized by the Palio Committee with the support of the Municipality of Serravalle Sesia. The welfare of the donkeys follows strict veterinary regulations, and a backup plan is in place in case of bad weather. For those visiting Valsesia in June, it is the ideal opportunity to discover an authentic Piedmontese folk tradition, far from the major tourist circuits.
Palio dei Rioni Serravalle — edition 2026
In 2026, the Palio dei Rioni of Serravalle Sesia celebrates its 50-year history with an enriched programme spanning three main days and several preparatory theatrical evenings. The eight Rioni compete in the pageant, medieval games, and the traditional donkey race to win the hand-painted banner.
The event involves the entire municipality of Serravalle Sesia, in Valsesia (Province of Vercelli), with the participation of guest historical groups and local schools.
Programme Palio dei Rioni Serravalle 2026
Preparatory theatrical evenings — Municipal Theatre, 9:00 PM
- Friday, June 16 — Rioni performances
The Rioni theatrical evenings precede the main event days (dates for some reruns are announced by the Committee).
Friday, June 12 — 9:00 PM, Municipal Theatre
Opening ceremony of the 50th Palio titled "50 years of Palio… the Rioni tell their stories and sing": the eight Rioni perform, presentation of the Banner and the official 2026 programme.
Saturday, June 20 — 8:30 PM, town streets
- Parade and medieval pageant through the town centre
- Performance by the Sbandieratori e Musici Città di Legnano
- Guest group "Living Chess" of Crevacuore
- Presentation by Radio Valsesia speakers, followed by DJ set and refreshment areas
Sunday, June 21 — Innocente Bossi Municipal Sports Field
- 2:30 PM — Mini parade of the Rioni with a delegation from the Palio di Borgomanero
- Medieval games with children's participation
- Blessing of the banner and the team shirts
- Donkey race and awarding of the 2026 banner to the winning Rione
- 8:00 PM — Piazza Libertà: 50th-anniversary dinner, awards ceremony, and musical entertainment
Highlights Palio dei Rioni Serravalle 2026
Prices Palio dei Rioni Serravalle 2026
Practical information — Palio dei Rioni Serravalle
Getting there
Serravalle Sesia can be reached by car via the A26 motorway (exit Romagnano Sesia-Ghemme) and by train on the Novara-Varallo Sesia line. Events take place in the historic centre, at the Municipal Theatre, the Innocente Bossi Municipal Sports Field, and Piazza Libertà.
Tickets
The parades through the town streets and the medieval pageant are free to attend. Reservations may be required for the 50th-anniversary dinner and some other initiatives: information is available from the Palio Committee ([email protected]) or the Municipality of Serravalle Sesia (+39 0163 450102).
Tips
Arrive early to find a spot along the Saturday evening parade route. Wear comfortable shoes to follow the procession and take advantage of the refreshment areas set up by the Rioni.
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Where does it take place — Palio dei Rioni Serravalle
Campo Sportivo Comunale Innocente Bossi e centro storico
Piazza Libertà, 13037 Serravalle Sesia