Palio dei Trampoli di Schieti
The stilt race between the six districts of Schieti, a hamlet of Urbino
About Palio dei Trampoli
A tradition that walks on stilts
The Palio dei Trampoli takes place every year in June in Schieti, a small hamlet of the Municipality of Urbino, in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino (Marche). It is one of the most original folk festivals in Italy, built around a humble and ancient tool: the stilt. For three days, the castle village transforms into an open-air stage of races, parades, traditional games, and village cuisine.
Origins: the charcoal burners of the Foglia
The festival has its roots in the work and daily life of the past. Schieti was a mandatory passage for those working in Montefeltro – kiln workers, sulphur miners, and especially charcoal burners – who came down to sell their goods towards the coast. To cross the Foglia river at the so-called "Passo dei carbonai" (Charcoal Burners' Crossing), they used stilts, just like the farmers from the other side of the river. In the hot season, these same tools became, for young and old alike, a means of competition towards the centre of the Castle, giving life to a village festival called "Palio dei sampp" in the dialect. The winner received a wheel of cheese and a flask of wine, then they danced until late at night to the sound of furlana, saltarello, and palombina.
The race of the six districts
The heart of the event is the stilt race between the six districts of Schieti, competing for the prize for the strongest district and the title of best stilt walker. The races, spectacular and adrenaline-fueled, are preceded by qualifications and accompanied by the districts' costume parade. The event is recognized as a UNESCO Good Practice for the safeguarding of intangible ludic and cultural heritage, and it engages with other ludic communities in Italy, such as those gathered around the Tocatì festival.
Not just a race
An entire village of tradition unfolds around the races:
- Historical parade and stilt walkers' procession through the castle streets
- Old-fashioned games and workshops on ancient crafts
- Gastronomic taverns with local dishes
- Craft markets
- Fire shows, music, and folk dances (balfolk)
- Activities and workshops for children
Each edition hosts a ludic community or a tradition from another Italian region, in an exchange that makes the Palio dei Trampoli an event appreciated far beyond the borders of the Marche.
Palio dei Trampoli — edition 2026
The XXVII edition of the Palio dei Trampoli will be held in Schieti, a hamlet of Urbino, from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026. The spectacular stilt races between the six districts will return, accompanied by parades, traditional games, taverns with local cuisine, and craft markets in the castle village.
The theme for the year is the exchange between ludic communities: the special guest will be the game of Pirlì, a type of "peasant billiards" from the Bergamo rural tradition, presented by Lombard masters with demonstrations and trials open to the public.
Programme Palio dei Trampoli 2026
Event Structure
The official dates are Friday, June 12, Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, 2026. Based on previous editions, the three days will alternate between the opening of exhibitions and taverns, a games area and workshops for children in the late afternoon, a parade and stilt walkers' procession in the evening, qualifications and stilt races with final awards on the closing day, Sunday.
Announced events for 2026
- Stilt race between the six districts: qualifications and finals for the strongest district and best stilt walker
- Game of Pirlì (2026 guest): demonstrations by Bergamo masters and trials for the public
- Archers "Aquile Ducali" of Urbino: historical archery
- Drummers of the "Aquila Federiciana" of Lucera (Liu.Bo association), expected on Sunday, June 14
- Fire shows and folk music and dance (balfolk)
- Climbing the castle walls (The Flow), old-fashioned games, and workshops on ancient crafts
- Gastronomic taverns and craft markets
The complete hourly schedule, day by day, will be published by the organization on the official website in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Palio dei Trampoli 2026
Prices Palio dei Trampoli 2026
Practical information — Palio dei Trampoli
Where
Schieti, a hamlet of the Municipality of Urbino (Province of Pesaro and Urbino, Marche). Activities are concentrated in the castle village.
How to get there
By car: Schieti can be reached in a few minutes from Urbino; the reference motorway exits on the A14 along the Adriatic coast (Pesaro, Fano), then the dual carriageway and provincial roads towards the hinterland. The most convenient train station is Pesaro, connected to Urbino and surrounding areas by bus lines.
Admission
Popular event with free admission; taverns and markets with paid consumption and purchases.
When
Three days in mid-June, with the climax of the races and awards on the final day.
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Where does it take place — Palio dei Trampoli
Castello di Schieti