Palio della Gru
The challenge between the seven districts of Grugliasco in honor of Saint Roch
About Palio della Gru
A tradition that relives the vow to Saint Roch
The Palio della Gru is the most cherished event in Grugliasco, a city on the western outskirts of Turin, in the Metropolitan City of Turin (Piedmont). Every year, in early June, the city center transforms into a large open-air stage where the seven districts compete in the name of neighborhood pride and a tradition rooted in the community's history.
Its origins date back to 1599, when Grugliasco was struck by a severe plague epidemic. The population made a vow to Saint Roch, invoking his protection: once the contagion ceased, the people of Grugliasco had a chapel built dedicated to the saint and commissioned a statue, which arrived from Turin and was carried in a procession through the town's streets. The modern Palio, established in 1984, commemorates that liberation from the plague and the ritual public announcement of the Crida.
The seven districts in competition
The heart of the event is the cart race, which sees the seven city districts compete in a test of speed and endurance. Each district is represented by five monatti (men and women) who pull a cart bearing the image of the crane (gru), the city's heraldic symbol. The seven districts are San Francesco d'Assisi, Borgo Centro – Ressia – San Bastian, Gerbido, Lesna, Paradiso – Quaglia, Santa Maria, and San Giacomo.
A week of celebration for the whole city
The Palio is not just the final race: for nearly a week, Grugliasco comes alive with historical costume pageants, medieval tournaments between the districts, the Paliotto di San Rochet, the Palio dei Piccoli dedicated to children, the reading of the Crida in front of the Civic Tower, the blessing of the carts, and the Vijà del Palio, the community dinner reserved for the seven districts.
Accompanying the events are the Food Village at Parco Porporati with live music and food stalls, the commercial fair, workshops for children, the Volunteer Firefighters' village, and the "Shop Windows for the Palio" contest that colors the center's shops. The grand finale is entrusted to the pyromusical show that illuminates the sky above Parco Porporati. A free, identity-defining event capable of uniting historical memory, community spirit, and healthy rivalry between districts.
Palio della Gru — edition 2026
The 43rd edition of the Palio della Gru, organized by the Grugliasco municipal administration with the Società Le Serre and the Associazione Cojtà Gruliascheisa, was held from June 2 to 7, 2026. The edition also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Republic with dedicated readings during the opening historical parade.
After a week of tournaments, processions, and initiatives for all ages, the cart race on Sunday, June 7, crowned the Santa Maria district, which won the Palio banner and the 'Abbondanza contadina' prize.
Programme Palio della Gru 2026
Tuesday, June 2 — 9:00 PM
- Historical parade and re-enactment of the vow to Saint Roch
- Departure from the cemetery parking lot (via Cravero 178), arrival at Largo Polesine
- Celebratory readings for the 80th anniversary of the Republic
Thursday, June 4 — from 5:30 PM
- Under-15 and women's 'pallastraccia' tournament
- "Central Park" sports field, Parco Porporati
Friday, June 5 — 9:00 PM
- Paliotto di San Rochet with medieval tournaments between the districts, at Largo Polesine
Saturday, June 6
- 3:30 PM — 6th Palio dei Piccoli: games and race with litters at Parco Porporati
- 7:30 PM — Reading of the "Crida" in front of the Civic Tower
- 7:30 PM — Blessing of the carts
- 8:00 PM — Vijà del Palio: community dinner reserved for the seven districts
Sunday, June 7 — the highlight day
- 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM — Commercial fair, food stalls, and children's workshops
- 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM — "Bricks and modeling at the Palio" at Villa Boriglione and Volunteer Firefighters' village
- 4:00 PM — Grand historical parade starting from Viale Gramsci
- 5:30 PM — Tenzone and Palio race
- 10:30 PM — Pyromusical show at Parco Porporati
Parallel initiatives
- Food Village (June 5-7) at Parco Porporati with free live music, organized by Be Different Events
- "Shop Windows for the Palio" (until June 14): decoration contest in the center's shops
Highlights Palio della Gru 2026
Prices Palio della Gru 2026
Practical information — Palio della Gru
Where it takes place
The Palio della Gru takes place in the historic center of Grugliasco (TO) and at Parco Porporati. The historical parade starts from Viale Gramsci, while the Food Village and evening shows enliven Parco Porporati. The cart race and processions pass through the main streets of the center.
How to get there
Grugliasco is located about 9 km west of Turin. It can be reached by car from the Turin ring road (Grugliasco/Collegno exit) and by GTT public transport from Turin. The Grugliasco railway station is served by the Metropolitan Railway Service.
Admission
Admission to all Palio della Gru events is free.
Information
Municipality of Grugliasco — tel. +39 011 4013011. More details on the Municipality's website and that of the Società Le Serre.
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Where does it take place — Palio della Gru
Centro storico e Parco Porporati