Palio delle Borgate of Garessio

Garessio is divided into four districts

Every summer, Garessio, a picturesque village in the Tanaro Valley in the Province of Cuneo, transforms into a grand field of friendly competition. The Palio delle Borgate pits the four historic districts of the town—Borgo, Ponte, Poggiolo, and Valsorda—against each other in a competition that lasts nearly a month and involves the entire community, from the youngest to the oldest. Flags, colors, and chants fill the streets of the historic center, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and healthy local rivalry.

A tradition blending sport, play, and memory

The Palio in its current form was established in 2012, but it is rooted in a much older tradition: the Carrera Saracina, the spectacular push-cart race that has been held in Garessio since 1967. The Carrera, which returned a few years ago after a long hiatus, now represents the highlight and conclusion of the event. Dozens of trials and games revolve around this ancient core, ranging from sports to more lighthearted challenges designed to involve every age group.

An event for the whole community

The districts organize themselves with a district leader and their assistants, fielding teams divided by age categories, from children to adults. Evenings in the center of Garessio become a meeting point, with music, food, and convivial moments enlivening the squares and streets. The event is promoted by the Palio delle Borgate Association with the support of the Municipality of Garessio and the Pro Loco, and is entirely free for anyone who wants to watch the races and cheer for their district.

Garessio, pearl of the Tanaro Valley

Known for its thermal baths, the waters of the San Bernardo spring, and the charm of its medieval center, Garessio is part of the circuit of the most evocative villages in southern Piedmont. Experiencing the Palio means discovering a community proud of its roots, where the rivalry between districts is, above all, a way to come together and pass traditions on to new generations.