Palio del Vecchio Mercato
The great challenge between the districts of Montebelluna, between history, sport and tradition
About Palio del Vecchio Mercato
A week of celebration between history and districts
The Palio del Vecchio Mercato is the major historical and popular event in Montebelluna, in the province of Treviso, and one of the most anticipated events of the summer in the Marca Trevigiana. Organized by the Ente Palio Città di Montebelluna, the Palio takes place in the first week of September and transforms the city centre into an open-air stage of challenges, parades, and shows.
The competing districts
The heart of the event is the rivalry between the city's districts (contrade), eleven in total, which compete for the Palio banner through a series of sporting and skill-based tests. The main race, scheduled for Sunday, draws thousands of spectators and is filled with a friendly tension that involves the entire community.
The connection to the old market
The festival was created to celebrate the old market of Montebelluna, around which the modern city developed after its relocation from the hill to the plain. For this reason, the programme alternates moments of sport with historical reenactments in costume, historical parades, the "Marcà de na volta" — the market as it used to be — and evenings dedicated to local products.
Entertainment, music, and new features
Alongside the competition, the Palio offers concerts, comedy shows, food and wine evenings, and entertainment for all ages. For the 2026 edition, a Ferris wheel is also planned for the city centre and a new official app dedicated to the event. For visitors to the area, the Palio is the ideal opportunity to discover an authentic Montebelluna, proud of its roots, at the foot of Montello.
Palio del Vecchio Mercato — edition 2026
The 36th edition of the Palio del Vecchio Mercato enlivens Montebelluna from September 1st to 7th, 2026, with eleven districts competing for the banner. The week alternates sporting competition, historical reenactment, and popular celebration in the city centre, featuring the new Ferris wheel installed in front of the former Pretura and a new official app to guide the public through events and live broadcasts.
The edition also kicks off in June with a preview: on June 5th, the official presentation of the districts' banners with music, and on June 6th, a musical evening dedicated to Little Tony.
Programme Palio del Vecchio Mercato 2026
Preview (June 2026)
- June 5 — Official presentation of the districts' banners and launch of the new app, with music by Radio Birikina
- June 6 — Musical evening dedicated to Little Tony (Little Tony Family)
Palio Week (September 1-7, 2026)
- September 1 — "Waiting for the Palio – Nights of Wine"
- September 2 — Evening of the Maids of Honour and election of the Palio's Maid of Honour, featuring the story of "Filò a Montebelluna (1880-1930)", Eudora Violinist, and comedy by Gianluca Impastato
- September 3 — "The Palio to Sing About", presentation of the teams with guest Paolo Belli
- September 4 — "Palio on Two Wheels", vintage cycling time trial
- September 5 — "Marcà de na volta" (historical market) and 7th Women's Palio
- September 6 — Historical parade in costume, flyover by Francesco Baracca's SPAD S.XIII aircraft, and main race at 5:30 PM
- September 7 — Final awards ceremony and closing
The races are broadcast on Antenna Tre, on YouTube, and via the new official app, with dedicated connections to the Treviso communities worldwide. Full programme on ilpalio.it.
Highlights Palio del Vecchio Mercato 2026
Prices Palio del Vecchio Mercato 2026
Practical information — Palio del Vecchio Mercato
Where
Historic centre of Montebelluna (TV), Veneto. The races take place in the Foro Boario area and in the city squares.
How to get there
By car: from the A27 Venice-Belluno motorway (Treviso Nord exit) or from the A4 (Vicenza Est exit) towards Montebelluna. By train: Montebelluna station on the Padua-Calalzo line. Parking is available in designated areas around the centre.
Admission
Access to the streets and squares of the festival is free; some evening events and the race stands may require a ticket. Details and the full programme are available on the official website and the Palio app.
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Where does it take place — Palio del Vecchio Mercato
Centro storico e Foro Boario