Palio del Fantasma
The symbolic historical re-enactment of Castel Ritaldi, with the five districts competing
About Palio del Fantasma
A competition between districts with a Renaissance flavour
The Palio del Fantasma is the symbolic historical re-enactment of Castel Ritaldi, in the province of Perugia. Founded in 1984, it is inspired by a knightly tournament from 1499 organised by Count Ritaldi in honour of Lucrezia Borgia, with knights competing in skill tests culminating in the capture of a suspended banner. Hence the name and spirit of a festival that intertwines history, games, and competition between the districts.
The five competing districts
The protagonists are the five districts of the territory: Castel Ritaldi, La Bruna, Mercatello, Colle del Marchese, and Castel San Giovanni. The districts compete in tests that combine physical, cultural, and luck-based elements to win the coveted palio. The district rivalry, experienced with passion by the communities, is the driving force of the event.
Parades, taverns, and village life
For ten days between late July and early August, the Municipality of Castel Ritaldi comes alive with costumed parades, the districts' taverns where you can taste traditional Umbrian dishes, games, and shows. A festival that combines historical re-enactment and popular conviviality, preserving the identity of an Umbrian village in the hills of Spoletino.
Palio del Fantasma — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 36th, of the Palio del Fantasma takes place from July 31 to August 9 in Castel Ritaldi. The symbolic historical re-enactment of the town sees the five districts — Castel Ritaldi, La Bruna, Mercatello, Colle del Marchese, and Castel San Giovanni — compete in tests combining skill, strength, and luck, enlivening the village for ten days with costumed parades, taverns, and games.
Programme Palio del Fantasma 2026
The 2026 edition (36th) takes place from July 31 to August 9. The detailed program will be published by the Associazione Palio del Fantasma. Based on recent editions, the event includes:
- Competitions between the five districts (Castel Ritaldi, La Bruna, Mercatello, Colle del Marchese, Castel San Giovanni) in tests of skill, strength, and luck
- Historical costumed parades through the streets of the centre
- District taverns serving traditional Umbrian dishes
- Games, shows, and awarding of the palio
Information: paliodelfantasma.it and official Facebook page.
Highlights Palio del Fantasma 2026
Prices Palio del Fantasma 2026
Practical information — Palio del Fantasma
How to get here
By car: Castel Ritaldi can be reached from the Flaminia road between Spoleto and Foligno, in the province of Perugia. The event takes place in the historic centre and in the districts.
Information
Organised by the Associazione Palio del Fantasma (paliodelfantasma.it). District taverns are open on the evenings of the festival.
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Where does it take place — Palio del Fantasma
Centro storico di Castel Ritaldi
Centro storico, 06044 Castel Ritaldi