Palio della Mannaja
The re-enactment of the 1334 miracle and the challenge between the five districts of Pietralunga
About Palio della Mannaja
The legend of the miracle of the cleaver
The Palio della Mannaja re-enacts a legendary episode that took place in Pietralunga on September 11, 1334. According to tradition, the pilgrim Giovanni di Lorenzo, unjustly accused of murder and sentenced to death, invoked the Holy Face just before the execution: the blade of the cleaver, at the moment of the blow, turned, sparing his life. The axe from the legend is now preserved in the Cathedral of Lucca.
The challenge of the five districts
The village, in the province of Perugia, is divided into five districts that compete in the Palio games: Borgo de Sopra, Borgo de Sotto, Quartiere del Monte, Quartiere delle Valcelle, and Quartiere del Pisciandale. The highlight is the 'biroccio' race: the districts push a heavy 430 kg medieval cart by hand along a time-trial course. The district that achieves the best time wins.
A week of celebration
The event takes place over an entire week in August: concerts, theatrical performances, music, and folklore liven up the evenings, while Saturday evening is dedicated to the historical re-enactment of the miracle. Taverns, inns, and artisan shops open in the historic centre, with food and wine stands and performances by flag-throwers and drummers. On Sunday afternoon, the actual Palio is held. The re-enactment, revived from the 1980s on the initiative of local historian Antonio Alpini and the Pro Loco (local tourism board), is now one of the most cherished traditions of Upper Umbria.
Palio della Mannaja — edition 2026
For 2026, the Palio della Mannaja will take place traditionally in the week culminating on the second Sunday of August (August 9), with celebrations spread from the preceding Monday. The re-enactment of the 1334 miracle is scheduled for Saturday evening, while the 'biroccio' race between the five districts will be held on Sunday afternoon.
As every year, the historic centre will host taverns, inns, artisan shops, concerts, and shows. The detailed calendar will be published by the Pro Loco of Pietralunga closer to the event.
Programme Palio della Mannaja 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published. The traditional structure includes:
- From Monday — opening of the Palio week with concerts, theatre, music, and folklore
- Saturday evening — historical re-enactment of the miracle of the cleaver
- Sunday afternoon — 'biroccio' race between the five districts (Borgo de Sopra, Borgo de Sotto, Quartiere del Monte, Quartiere delle Valcelle, Quartiere del Pisciandale)
Exact dates and schedule will be announced by the Pro Loco of Pietralunga.
Highlights Palio della Mannaja 2026
Practical information — Palio della Mannaja
How to get there
Pietralunga can be reached by car from the E45 (Umbertide or Città di Castello exit) and then via provincial roads into the hinterland. The nearest train stations are Umbertide and Città di Castello.
When
The event takes place in the week culminating on the second Sunday of August.
Tips
The Palio Sunday and the Saturday evening re-enactment are the most crowded moments: it is advisable to arrive early to find a seat and book dinner in the district taverns.
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Where does it take place — Palio della Mannaja
Centro storico di Pietralunga
Centro storico, 06026 Pietralunga