Palio dell'Ascensione (Ascension Festival)
The only authorized equestrian palio in Sicily, blending faith, history, and neighborhood rivalry in Floridia
About Palio dell'Ascensione
The oldest horse race in Sicily
The Palio dell'Ascensione is the beating heart of Floridia, a lively town in the province of Syracuse, in south-eastern Sicily. It is the only organized and authorized equestrian palio on the entire island, and one of the very few Italian horse racing competitions that has survived in its original bareback format. Due to its antiquity, history, and deep-rooted connection to the territory, it is considered second in Italy only to the famous Palio di Siena.
A tradition dating back to 1461
The roots of the festival date back to 1461, when a celebration already took place in May in Floridia (ancient Xiridia), centered around the horse as its main attraction. The event has always been linked to popular devotion and the blessing of animals and horses during fairs and "cavalcades," creating a profound bond between faith, community, and the rural traditions of the Val di Noto.
The eight competing districts
The competition features the eight historic districts of Floridia, each with its own jockeys, horses, and colors: Taverna, Stazione, Chiazza, Chianu i Masciu Vartulu, Carmine, Marchesa, Vignalonga, and Santuzzu. After the starting gate opens, the horses thunder through the streets of the center in qualifying heats, leading up to the final Sunday when the winning district is proclaimed.
Processions, flag-wavers, and entertainment
The Palio is more than just a race: the festival is enriched by costumed historical processions, equestrian theater, flag-waver performances during the "Grand Flag Gala," concerts, shows, and moments of conviviality like the great community dinner. Celebrations begin as early as late April with traditional neighborhood festivals, culminating in the nine peak days of the main event.
A recognized and awarded event
The Palio dell'Ascensione and the Procession of the Historic Districts have received the Quality Mark from the Italian Pro Loco (UNPLI), a recognition awarded for strong organizational capacity, the event's authenticity, its historical significance, its link to the territory, and compliance with safety standards for the horses. This guarantee makes the Palio one of the most important traditional appointments in the Sicilian calendar.
Palio dell'Ascensione — edition 2026
Palio dell'Ascensione 2026: nine days of celebration
The 2026 edition opened on Saturday, June 6 with the blessing of the jockeys, districts, and participants in the Mother Church, the unveiling of the Palio and the Paliotto, the inauguration of the sketch exhibition, and the draw for the horses' starting order. Sunday, June 7 featured the "Sicily, Timeless Art" painting competition, a padel tournament, and the theatrical show "The Voice of Memory".
The competition between districts
Wednesday, June 10 saw the qualifying time-trial heats along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Thursday, June 11 included a procession and equestrian theater, the draw for horse-district pairings, and a community dinner. Friday, June 12 featured the inaugural parade in Piazza del Popolo, the round of 16 and quarterfinals, the Palio Grand Ball, the show "XIRIDIA: Tradition Dresses the Future", and a concert by Mario Incudine. Saturday, June 13 was dedicated to processions, flag-wavers, and the "Grand Flag Gala" with historic Sicilian groups.
Grand finale with Ermal Meta
Sunday, June 14 at 5:00 PM, the semifinals and final of the horse race took place to determine the winning district; at 8:30 PM, the awards ceremony, and at 10:00 PM, the free concert by Ermal Meta in Piazza del Popolo, a grand closing for one of the most anticipated editions.
Programme Palio dell'Ascensione 2026
2026 Program
- Saturday, June 6: Blessing of jockeys and districts in the Mother Church, unveiling of the Palio and Paliotto, sketch exhibition, starting order draw
- Sunday, June 7: "Sicily, Timeless Art" painting competition, padel tournament, "The Voice of Memory" theatrical show
- Wednesday, June 10: Qualifying time-trial heats (Corso Vittorio Emanuele)
- Thursday, June 11: Procession and equestrian theater, horse-district pairing draw, community dinner
- Friday, June 12: Inaugural parade (Piazza del Popolo), round of 16 and quarterfinals, Palio Grand Ball, "XIRIDIA" show, Mario Incudine concert, "The Night of the Ascension"
- Saturday, June 13: Processions, flag-wavers, equestrian shows, "Grand Flag Gala"
- Sunday, June 14: 5:00 PM semifinals and final of the horse race; 8:30 PM awards ceremony; 10:00 PM free concert by Ermal Meta (Piazza del Popolo)
Highlights Palio dell'Ascensione 2026
- Final of the horse race between the eight historic districts (June 14)
- Free concert by Ermal Meta in Piazza del Popolo
- Concert by Mario Incudine and the show "XIRIDIA: Tradition Dresses the Future"
- Grand Flag Gala with flag-wavers and historic Sicilian groups
- Costumed processions and equestrian theater
Prices Palio dell'Ascensione 2026
Practical information — Palio dell'Ascensione
How to get there
Floridia is located a few kilometers from Syracuse, in south-eastern Sicily. By car: Catania-Syracuse motorway/junction, take the Floridia exit. By train: Floridia station on the Syracuse-Ragusa line. The nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa, about an hour's drive away.
When
The festival is held during the Ascension period, between late May and June, with neighborhood festivals preceding the main event starting from late April.
Tips
The races and processions take place along the historic center and in Piazza del Popolo: arrive early to secure a good spot. Evening concerts in the square are generally free.
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Where does it take place — Palio dell'Ascensione
Piazza del Popolo e centro storico