Palio del Diotto of Scarperia
The historical re-enactment of the Vicar's investiture and the challenge between the districts of Scarperia
About Palio del Diotto
The Palio del Diotto, the soul of Scarperia
In the village of Scarperia e San Piero, nestled in the Mugello region near Florence, September 8th is no ordinary day. It is the Diotto — from the Latin Die Octo, the eighth day — marking the date in 1306 when the Florentine Republic founded Scarperia as a defensive outpost north of Florence. Since then, every September 8th, the investiture of the new Florentine Vicar is renewed, and this ceremony remains the heart of the town's most important festival.
A historical re-enactment spanning weeks
The Palio del Diotto is more than just a single day; it is the climax of over a month of historical, cultural, and traditional events that animate Scarperia throughout September. The core of the re-enactment is found in the Renaissance Days, scheduled for the weekend preceding September 8th: the historic center transforms into an authentic 15th-century village, complete with ladies and knights, taverns, market scenes, artisan stalls, and the famous knife-makers showcasing their craft. During the historical fair, a commemorative coin, the "Fiorino di Scarperia," even circulates.
The historical pageant and the Vicar's investiture
The most solemn moment arrives on the evening of September 8th, when the grand historical pageant departs from the Palazzo dei Vicari: over a hundred participants in Renaissance attire — nobles, musicians, standard-bearers, and commoners — accompany the outgoing Vicar from the Porta Fiorentina to the Piazza dei Vicari. Here, the symbolic meeting with the new representative of the Florentine Republic takes place, followed by the solemn investiture and oath of loyalty, all marked by the sound of trumpets and drums.
The districts and the five competitions
After the ceremony, the festival heats up with the challenge between the districts of Scarperia, each with its own colors and banner. The teams, consisting of a captain, a standard-bearer, and six players, compete for the Palio — a banner painted specifically for the current edition — by facing off in five ancient popular games:
- Knife throwing, a tribute to the town's ancient knife-making tradition;
- Brick racing;
- Tug-of-war;
- Tub racing;
- Greasy pole climbing.
The district with the highest total score wins the Palio del Diotto, fueling a local sporting rivalry that has spanned generations of Scarperia residents.
An event to experience in the Mugello
With flag-waver shows, historical group performances, and the evocative backdrop of the medieval village, the Palio del Diotto is one of the most authentic re-enactments in Tuscany. It is a perfect opportunity to discover Scarperia, its walls, the Palazzo dei Vicari, and the tradition of fine cutlery, all within a festive atmosphere that unites the entire community.
Palio del Diotto — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Palio del Diotto takes place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, a date confirmed by official channels, marking the 720th anniversary of the founding of Scarperia (1306). The festival is preceded by the Renaissance Days on the weekend leading up to September 8th, with the historic center transformed into a 15th-century village.
The day's program follows the established structure of the re-enactment: institutional and religious ceremonies in the afternoon at the Palazzo dei Vicari, the grand historical pageant in the evening, and, subsequently, the competitions between the districts for the awarding of the Palio.
Programme Palio del Diotto 2026
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 — Daily schedule
Based on the established program of the re-enactment, the day is structured as follows (approximate times to be confirmed on official channels):
- Morning — Institutional ceremonies at the Palazzo dei Vicari: presentation of the Constitution to new 18-year-olds and presentation of the Palio, the banner painted for the current edition.
- Around 12:00 PM — Solemn ringing of the bell in the Palazzo dei Vicari tower.
- Afternoon — Religious services in the parish church and preparatory ceremonies.
- 9:00 PM — Start of the historical pageant (free admission): over a hundred participants in Renaissance attire accompany the outgoing Vicar from the Porta Fiorentina to the Piazza dei Vicari, where the meeting with the new Vicar, the investiture, and the oath take place.
- Following — Challenge between the districts in Piazza dei Vicari in the five traditional games (knife throwing, brick racing, tug-of-war, tub racing, greasy pole); arena access is paid.
The detailed program and final times for the 2026 edition will be published by the Pro Loco Scarperia in the weeks leading up to the event.
Highlights Palio del Diotto 2026
- The evening historical pageant with over a hundred participants in Renaissance costume.
- The investiture of the Florentine Vicar and the oath before the Palazzo dei Vicari.
- The challenge between the districts in five ancient games for the awarding of the Palio.
- The Renaissance Days of the preceding weekend, with a historical market and knife-makers at work.
Prices Palio del Diotto 2026
Practical information — Palio del Diotto
How to get there
Scarperia e San Piero is located in the Mugello, about 30 km north of Florence. By car, it can be reached via the A1 Autostrada del Sole (Barberino di Mugello exit) or via the SR65 and SP503 roads. By train, the nearest station is San Piero a Sieve/Borgo San Lorenzo (Faentina line from Florence), with bus connections to Scarperia.
When
The Palio del Diotto takes place every year on September 8th, with the Renaissance Days held on the preceding weekend and numerous side events throughout the month of September.
Admission and tickets
The evening historical pageant is free to attend. Watching the district competitions in the Piazza dei Vicari usually requires a ticket: it is recommended to check prices and pre-sale information on the official Pro Loco Scarperia channels.
Tips
Arrive early to secure a good spot along the pageant route and to explore the historic center during the Renaissance Days. Take the opportunity to visit the Palazzo dei Vicari and the knife-makers' workshops.
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Where does it take place — Palio del Diotto
Piazza dei Vicari
Piazza dei Vicari, 50038 Scarperia e San Piero