Palio di Feltre
The commemoration of the 1404 dedication to Venice, featuring districts, flag-wavers, and a horse race
About Palio di Feltre
A City Returns to 1404
The Palio di Feltre is the grand historical reenactment that, since 1979, brings the city of Feltre (province of Belluno) back to life, commemorating its spontaneous dedication to the Republic of Venice, which occurred on June 15, 1404. In that year, Feltre freely surrendered to the Serenissima, and the Palio re-enacts the symbolic ceremony of handing over the city keys to Ambassador Bartolomeo Nani, linking the city's destiny to Venice's for centuries.
The Four Districts in Competition
The heart of the event is the rivalry between the four historic districts: Castello, Port'Oria, Duomo, and Santo Stefano. For a whole year, the districts prepare for the skill-based competitions that award the precious banner: archery, the relay race, tug-of-war, and the spectacular horse race in the Pra' del Moro arena. Each event earns points, and the total score determines the winning district.
Parades, Flag-Wavers, and Contemporary Art
Beyond the competitions, the Palio is characterized by historical parades with hundreds of costumed participants, guards, drummers, and flag-wavers, by pre-race dinners in the districts, and by a packed schedule of events. A special tradition dictates that the banner — the palio being contested — is signed each year by a prominent artist: in 2026, the commission is entrusted to Marinella Senatore, one of the most internationally recognized Italian artists. Born from the contribution of hundreds of volunteers, the Palio di Feltre is a celebration of identity that combines competition, history, and culture.
Palio di Feltre — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Palio di Feltre returns on the first weekend of August, from July 31 to August 2, preceded by the official presentation on July 25 in Piazza Maggiore. The four districts — Castello, Port'Oria, Duomo, and Santo Stefano — compete for the banner, designed for this occasion by international artist Marinella Senatore on the theme 'Passion and Community'. Amidst propitiatory dinners, a medieval market, historical parades, and skill-based competitions, the city relives its dedication to the Serenissima in 1404.
Programme Palio di Feltre 2026
Saturday, July 25 — Presentation
- 6:00 PM — Palio Presentation in Piazza Maggiore
- 8:30 PM — Cernide Challenge in Piazza Maggiore, with unveiling of the banner
- 9:00 PM — Start of the first challenges
Friday, July 31
- From 7:30 PM — Propitiatory dinners in the districts, in various locations in the historic center
Saturday, August 1
- From 3:00 PM — Medieval market and shows at the Historic Citadel
- 6:00 PM — Horse practice at Pra' del Moro
- From 9:00 PM — Historical parades and competitions: archery (Tenuta di Cart Trophy), relay race (Consorzio Agrario Trophy), flag-waver exhibition, and final show
Sunday, August 2
- 10:30 AM — Palio Mass in the Cathedral with blessing of the horses
- From 3:30 PM — Grand historical parade
- From 5:00 PM — Final competitions: tug-of-war (Cooperativa Valcarne Trophy) and horse race (VHV Assicurazioni Italia Trophy)
- Following — Awarding of the banner to the winning district
Highlights Palio di Feltre 2026
Prices Palio di Feltre 2026
Practical information — Palio di Feltre
How to Get There
Feltre (BL) is reachable by train on the Padova–Belluno line and by car via the SS50. The historic center is pedestrian-only; the horse races take place at the Pra' del Moro arena, a short distance from the center.
When
The first weekend of August (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), with introductory events in the preceding weeks.
Costs
Parades and most events are free to attend; tickets may be required for the grandstands at the Pra' del Moro horse race.
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Where does it take place — Palio di Feltre
Centro storico e Pra' del Moro
Salita Muffoni 3, 32032 Feltre