Palio di Legnano
The re-enactment of the Battle of Legnano and the race of the eight districts
About Palio di Legnano
A city reliving its battle
The Palio di Legnano is the most important traditional event in the Municipality of Legnano, in the Province of Milan, and one of the most cherished historical re-enactments in Lombardy. Everything revolves around the Battle of Legnano on May 29, 1176, when the Communes of the Lombard League, gathered around the Carroccio, halted the advance of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. It is the episode sung by Carducci and cited in the Italian national anthem ("from the Alps to Sicily, everywhere is Legnano").
The eight districts
The city is divided into eight districts, each with its own colours, its own church, and its own community of district members: La Flora, Legnarello, Sant'Ambrogio, San Bernardino, San Domenico, Sant'Erasmo, San Magno, and San Martino. Throughout the year, the districts animate city life with festivals, dinners, and cultural initiatives, but it is at the end of May that everything is at stake in the horse race that awards the Cross of Ariberto.
The events of the festival
- La Provaccia (Luigi Favari Memorial): the evening race of young emerging jockeys, a prelude to the Palio.
- The Holy Mass on the Carroccio: celebrated in Piazza San Magno, with the investiture of the Captains and the blessing of horses and jockeys.
- The historical parade: over a thousand participants in 12th-century costumes parade through the city streets, behind the Carroccio pulled by oxen.
- The Charge of the Company of Death and the Palio: at the Giovanni Mari Stadium, where the eight districts compete for victory.
The 850th anniversary
The 2026 edition celebrates the 850th anniversary of the Battle of Legnano, a symbolic victory of the Lombard Communes over the imperial army. One more reason to immerse yourself in this identity festival, where history, faith, and community spirit merge in a weekend that the city awaits all year round.
Palio di Legnano — edition 2026
The Palio di Legnano 2026 is dedicated to the 850 years since the historic Battle of Legnano in 1176. The most important weekend of the year for the city of Legnano unfolds between Friday, May 29, and Sunday, May 31, featuring religious ceremonies, historical re-enactment, and sporting competition among the eight districts.
Programme Palio di Legnano 2026
Friday, May 29 — La Provaccia (Luigi Favari Memorial)
At the Giovanni Mari Stadium, starting at 8:00 PM, the 41st edition of La Provaccia takes place, a bareback race reserved for young emerging jockeys that follows the same rules as the Palio.
- Performance by the Legnano Band and the Santa Cecilia Musical Corps of Busto Garolfo
- Parade of children from the "Palio di Legnano, History and Culture" competition
- Presentation of the District Captains and entry of the Grand Master
- Elimination heats (two heats of four districts), final, and awards ceremony
Sunday, May 31 — Palio Day
- 10:00 AM, Piazza San Magno — Holy Mass on the Carroccio, religious investiture of the Captains, and blessing of horses and jockeys
- 2:30 PM, Piazza Carroccio — Start of the historical parade: over a thousand participants in 12th-century costumes, the Carroccio pulled by white oxen, and the Company of Death
- 3:30 PM, Giovanni Mari Stadium — Honours to the Carroccio, Charge of the Company of Death, and the Palio race among the eight districts
Highlights Palio di Legnano 2026
Prices Palio di Legnano 2026
Practical information — Palio di Legnano
When
The last Sunday of May (May 31, 2026), with La Provaccia on the preceding Friday.
Where
Historic centre of Legnano (Piazza San Magno, Piazza Carroccio) for ceremonies and the parade; Giovanni Mari Stadium for the race.
How to get there
Legnano is served by the Milan-Domodossola railway line (Legnano station). By car, take the A8 motorway, Legnano exit. During the Palio, numerous traffic changes are in effect: it is advisable to consult the official website for parking and routes.
Tickets
The historical parade through the city streets is free; to watch the race at the Mari Stadium, a ticket is required, available for purchase on the official website.
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Where does it take place — Palio di Legnano
Stadio Giovanni Mari e centro storico di Legnano
Piazza San Magno, 20025 Legnano