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 grand historical and popular event of 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 center 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, 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 charged with a friendly tension that involves the entire community.
The link to the old market
The festival was created to celebrate the old market of Montebelluna, around which the modern city developed after the move from the Colle to the plains. For this reason, the program alternates moments of sport with historical re-enactments, historical parades, the "Marcà de na volta" — the market as it was held in the past — and evenings dedicated to local products.
Shows, music, and novelties
Alongside the competition, the Palio offers concerts, cabaret shows, food and wine evenings, and entertainment for all ages. For the 2026 edition, a Ferris wheel is also planned for the city center 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 re-enactment, and popular celebration in the city center, with the novelty of the Ferris wheel installed in front of the former Pretura and a new official app accompanying the public through events and live broadcasts.
The edition 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 5th — Official presentation of the districts' banners and launch of the new app, with music by Radio Birikina
- June 6th — Musical evening dedicated to Little Tony (Little Tony Family)
Palio Week (September 1st-7th, 2026)
- September 1st — "Waiting for the Palio – Wine Nights"
- September 2nd — Evening of the Maidens and election of the Palio's Maiden, with the story of "Filò a Montebelluna (1880-1930)", Eudora Violinist, and cabaret by Gianluca Impastato
- September 3rd — "The Palio to Sing About", presentation of the teams with guest Paolo Belli
- September 4th — "Palio on Two Wheels", vintage cycling time trial
- September 5th — "Marcà de na volta" (historical market) and 7th Women's Palio
- September 6th — Historical costume parade, flyover by Francesco Baracca's SPAD S.XIII, and main race at 5:30 PM
- September 7th — Final awards and closing ceremony
The races are broadcast on Antenna Tre, on the YouTube channel, and via the new official app, with dedicated connections to the Treviso communities worldwide. Full program on ilpalio.it.
Highlights Palio del Vecchio Mercato 2026
Prices Palio del Vecchio Mercato 2026
Practical information — Palio del Vecchio Mercato
Where
Historic center 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 (Treviso Nord exit) or from the A4 (Vicenza Est exit) towards Montebelluna. By train: Montebelluna station on the Padova-Calalzo line. Parking is available in designated areas around the center.
Admission
Access to the streets and squares of the festival is free; some evening events and the race grandstands may require a ticket. Details and the full program 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