Palio del Cupolone – J'Angeli 800
The challenge between the districts of Santa Maria degli Angeli in the shadow of the Basilica
About Palio del Cupolone
The festival of the Angelan districts
The Palio del Cupolone – J'Angeli 800 is the main popular festival of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a populous hamlet of the Municipality of Assisi (Province of Perugia), known for the majestic Papal Basilica that houses the Porziuncola. The name refers to the 'cupolone', the dome of the Basilica that dominates the town, and the community's deep connection with its history.
Three districts in competition
The heart of the event is the competition between the three districts — Campo, Fornaci, and Ponte Rosso — which contend for the Palio through theatrical performances, historical parades, representations, and popular games. A technical jury composed of professionals in history, scenography, and theatre evaluates the performances and parades of each district, in a contest that blends historical research, live performance, and great popular participation.
A cultural and participatory project
Born in 2016 from the 'Priori Serventi' of the Piatto di Sant'Antonio of that year, the Palio del Cupolone has evolved into a broad cultural project that involves the entire Angelan community. Organized by the Ente Palio J'Angeli 800 APS-ETS, it animates Piazza Garibaldi and the town's streets for days, transforming Santa Maria degli Angeli into a widespread stage of tradition and identity.
Palio del Cupolone — edition 2026
For the tenth anniversary, the 10th edition of the Palio del Cupolone – J'Angeli 800 takes place from June 12 to 20, 2026, in Santa Maria degli Angeli, a hamlet of Assisi, with Piazza Garibaldi as the epicenter. The three districts — Campo, Fornaci, and Ponte Rosso — compete for the Palio through historical parades, theatrical performances, and popular games.
The celebrations opened on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with the blessing of the banners during Mass in the Papal Basilica and the presentation of the program. For the tenth-anniversary edition, new banners were created: the winner's standard, by artist Francesca Capitini, and the one for the 'Giochi dei Muje' (children's games), designed by students from the Istituto Comprensivo Assisi 2.
Programme Palio del Cupolone 2026
Sunday, May 31, 2026 — Opening
- 10:00 AM — Blessing of the banners during Mass in the Papal Basilica
- 5:30 PM — Official presentation of the program with the Palio committee, districts, and authorities
June 12-20, 2026 — Piazza Garibaldi, Santa Maria degli Angeli
- Competition between the Campo, Fornaci, and Ponte Rosso districts
- Historical parades, performances, and theatrical shows evaluated by a technical jury (artistic director Fausto Marchini)
- Popular games and 'Giochi dei Muje' for the younger ones
- Awarding of the winner's standard, by Francesca Capitini
Highlights Palio del Cupolone 2026
Prices Palio del Cupolone 2026
Practical information — Palio del Cupolone
How to get there
Santa Maria degli Angeli (Assisi, PG) is served by the Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli train station, a short walk from Piazza Garibaldi and the Basilica. By car: SS75 and the Perugia-Bettolle link road.
Admission
The shows and parades take place in the town's squares and streets; some performances may have dedicated entrances. It is advisable to check the annual program of the Ente Palio.
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Where does it take place — Palio del Cupolone
Piazza Garibaldi, Santa Maria degli Angeli
Piazza Garibaldi, 06088 Assisi