Palio delle Zattere

The Palio delle Zattere

In Valstagna, now part of the Municipality of Valbrenta in the province of Vicenza, the second-to-last Sunday of July sees the Palio delle Zattere: one of the most beloved historical, cultural, and sporting events in the valley. The contrade's rafts compete in a breathtaking race along 3 km of the Brenta river.

The race and the nine contrade

The rafts start simultaneously from San Gaetano and face treacherous rapids and intermediate tests of strength and skill, before crossing the finish line at the Ponte di Rialto. The nine competing contrade are Oliero, Londa, S. Marco, Torre, Mori, Fantoli, San Gaetano, Sasso Stefani, and Costa, who animate the challenge with their colours and the support of their fans.

The memory of the raftsmen

The Palio commemorates the origins of Valbrenta, linked to the flourishing timber economy with the Republic of Venice, from the early 13th century to 1797. The raftsmen transported timber along the Brenta to the lagoon: a tradition so iconic that since June 12, 2005, Valstagna has been declared "Land of the Raftsmen" by the International Timber-Raftsmen Association.

A symbolic event of Valbrenta

Established in 1987 as a challenge between the contrade and hamlets of Valstagna, the Palio delle Zattere is organised by the Palio Committee of the Pro Loco of Valstagna and is considered one of the most representative events of the Vicenza summer, capable of uniting sporting spectacle, historical memory, and community identity.