Palio delle Contrade di Garda
The bisse regatta of Ferragosto, since 1952 the heart of Garda tradition
About Palio delle Contrade
The Ferragosto regatta on Lake Garda
The Palio delle Contrade di Garda is the great Ferragosto festival of the Garda village, in the province of Verona. Since 1952, every August 15th, the districts of Garda have competed in a spectacular Venetian-style regatta aboard the bisse, the traditional flat boats once used by lake fishermen for transport and fishing. The event is held in honour of the Madonna Assunta, the town's patron saint, and is deeply linked to the community's religious and maritime tradition.
Nine districts, one challenge on the water
Nine districts compete for the Palio: the crews, composed of rowers who row standing up in the Venetian style, navigate a course along the lakefront multiple times. The intense and engaging challenge attracts a large audience of residents and tourists to the shores of Lake Garda every year. The winning district has the honour of guarding the wooden statue of the Madonna Assunta until the following year.
Flag-wavers, parade, and fireworks
The Ferragosto day is marked by a rich programme: traditional games, a flag-waver performance, a parade of the districts with the blessing of the crews at the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the evening regatta, and the grand final fireworks display on the lake. Organised by the Bissa la Rocca association with the Municipality of Garda, the Palio delle Contrade is an identity event that celebrates the history, faith, and community spirit of this corner of Lake Garda.
Palio delle Contrade — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Palio delle Contrade di Garda takes place on Saturday, August 15th, Ferragosto day, along the village's lakefront. The nine districts compete in the traditional regatta of the bisse, the flat fishing boats, with standing Venetian-style rowing. The day, in honour of the Madonna Assunta, patron saint of the town, alternates traditional games, a flag-waver performance, a parade of the districts and blessing of the crews, the evening regatta, and the final fireworks.
Programme Palio delle Contrade 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026 - Ferragosto
- 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Traditional games
- 7:00 PM — Flag-waver performance in Piazza Municipio
- 7:30 PM — Parade of the districts and blessing of the crews at the church of Santa Maria Assunta
- 9:15 PM — Palio delle Contrade Regatta: the nine districts compete on the bisse, Venetian-style rowing
- Following — Final fireworks display on the lake
The winning district has the honour of guarding the wooden statue of the Madonna Assunta until the following year. Programme based on previous editions; any updates will be published by the organisers.
Highlights Palio delle Contrade 2026
Prices Palio delle Contrade 2026
Practical information — Palio delle Contrade
How to get there
Garda is located on the Veronese side of Lake Garda. By car, it can be reached from the A4 motorway (Peschiera del Garda exit) or the A22 Brenner motorway (Affi exit). The nearest train station is Peschiera del Garda, connected to Garda by bus. On Ferragosto, it is advisable to arrive well in advance due to the large crowds.
Participation
The event is free to access along the lakefront. It is recommended to find a spot in advance to watch the evening regatta and the fireworks.
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Where does it take place — Palio delle Contrade
Lungolago di Garda