Palio delle Sei Contrade di Masnago
The challenge between the six districts of the neighbourhood
About Palio di Masnago
The Palio of the Masnago neighbourhood
The Palio delle Sei Contrade is the most keenly felt event in the Masnago neighbourhood, in the Municipality of Varese. For over ten days, the six districts into which the neighbourhood is ideally divided compete in a challenge made up of games, tournaments, and festive moments, in an atmosphere that blends tradition, faith, and a sense of community.
Parades, games, and tournaments
The programme alternates historical costume parades, games and sports tournaments between the districts, evening shows, performances, and moments dedicated to families and children. There are also food stands with local specialities and fireworks to crown the most important evenings. The proclamation of the winning district is the highlight of the event.
A deep-rooted tradition
The Palio has its roots in the late seventies and is closely linked to the neighbourhood's patron saint's festival, organised by the Pastoral Community of Masnago together with the Palio committee. In 2025, the forty-seventh edition was held, a sign of the continuity of an event that attracts the entire neighbourhood every year.
Masnago and Varese
Masnago is one of the historic neighbourhoods of Varese, the capital of the Lombard province of the same name, also known for its castle and park. The Palio is one of the most characteristic popular events in the city's calendar.
Palio di Masnago — edition 2026
A new edition of the Palio delle Sei Contrade is planned for 2026 in the Masnago neighbourhood of Varese. The precise dates have not yet been announced: the event traditionally spans over ten days, in connection with the neighbourhood's patron saint's festival.
The established programme includes historical costume parades, games and tournaments between the six districts, evening shows, food stands, and fireworks, with the final proclamation of the winning district.
Programme Palio di Masnago 2026
The detailed programme for the 2026 edition will be announced by the organisation in the months preceding the event. The traditional structure of the Palio includes:
- Sports tournaments between the six districts (football, volleyball, and other disciplines).
- Historical costume parade through the neighbourhood streets, with performances and shows.
- Food stands with local specialities and musical evenings.
- Fireworks and proclamation of the winning district.
- Religious moments linked to the neighbourhood's patron saint's festival.
For specific dates and the full schedule, please refer to the official channels of the Comunità Pastorale di Masnago.
Highlights Palio di Masnago 2026
Prices Palio di Masnago 2026
Practical information — Palio di Masnago
When
The 2026 edition is scheduled; the exact dates will be published by the organisation in the months preceding the event. Traditionally, the festival takes place in the period linked to the neighbourhood's patron saint's festival.
Where
Masnago neighbourhood, Varese.
Admission
Neighbourhood popular event with food stands; access to the festival grounds is free.
Information
Updates at www.comunitapastoralemami.it and on the Palio di Masnago social media channels.
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Where does it take place — Palio di Masnago
Rione di Masnago
Rione Masnago, 21100 Varese