Palio di Pesaro e Palio dei Bòcia
The challenge of the twelve districts in the moat of Rocca Costanza
About Palio di Pesaro
The Palio di Pesaro
The Palio di Pesaro is the great summer historical reenactment of the capital of the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the Marche region. For three days, the historic center and especially the evocative Rocca Costanza — the fortress built by Costanzo Sforza in the 15th century — become the stage for a challenge between the twelve city districts, bringing back the goliardic and popular spirit of Renaissance Pesaro.
The legend and the corsa col focón
The event has its roots in a legend linked to the famous wedding banquet between Costanzo Sforza and Camilla d'Aragona (1475): it is said that young stable boys raced carrying heavy burning braziers from one end of the Rocca to the other to cook the enormous quantities of food intended for the guests. From this comes the main event, the corsa col focón (the brazier, in Pesaro dialect): a relay race held in the moat of Rocca Costanza, divided into four laps during which the districts' runners must carry a weight of at least twenty kilos. It is a test of strength, rhythm, and strategy that ignites the public until the proclamation of the winning district.
Three days of celebration
The Palio is not just competition. The festival opens with the evening of the Palio Ladies, the parade of the representatives of the twelve districts on the fortress bridge, accompanied by folk dances, costume parades, flag-wavers, drummers, and fire shows. The second day is dedicated to the Palio dei Bòcia, the version designed for children, with a fun relay race that crosses the historic center between Piazza del Popolo and the Corso, and with concerts and DJ sets to close the evening. The final day is that of the great race in the moat, preceded by the districts' parade and entry into the fortress.
Atmosphere and tradition
Throughout the event, the center of Pesaro is filled with food and wine stands, district taverns, markets, and entertainment. The organization is curated by the Municipality of Pesaro together with neighborhood associations, and entry to the races is free. The Palio represents one of the identity events of the Pesaro summer, an opportunity to experience the historic city in a setting of colors, fireworks, and local rivalries all for the sake of fun.
Palio di Pesaro — edition 2026
Palio di Pesaro 2026
The Municipality of Pesaro confirms the Palio for 2026, with the corsa col focón in the moat of Rocca Costanza set for Sunday, August 2. The event maintains its three pillars: the corsa col focón, the Dama del Palio, and the Palio dei Bòcia dedicated to children, confirmed after the excellent feedback from previous editions.
The twelve districts of Pesaro compete in the four-lap relay race inside the fortress, carrying the brazier along the moat. Alongside the race, the program includes costume parades, flag-wavers, drummers, folk dances, and food and wine stands in the historic center.
The complete program, with daily schedules and evening events, will be published by the Municipality of Pesaro closer to the event.
Programme Palio di Pesaro 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, with schedules and day-by-day shows, will be announced by the Municipality of Pesaro in the weeks preceding the event. The established structure includes:
- Friday — Inauguration in the city gardens, folk dances, historical show with flag-wavers and fire performances at Rocca Costanza, parade of the twelve Palio Ladies on the fortress bridge.
- Saturday — Family activities in the historic center and Palio dei Bòcia, the relay race for children between Piazza del Popolo and the Corso, followed by concerts and DJ sets in the evening.
- Sunday, August 2 — Parade of the districts and entry into the Rocca, qualifying heats, and the corsa col focón in the moat, with the final proclamation of the winning district.
The twelve districts compete in a four-lap relay race carrying a brazier weighing at least twenty kilos.
Highlights Palio di Pesaro 2026
- The spectacular corsa col focón in the moat of Rocca Costanza (Sunday, August 2)
- The parade of the Palio Ladies from the twelve districts on the fortress bridge
- The Palio dei Bòcia, the relay race for children in the historic center
- Flag-wavers, drummers, and night fire shows
Prices Palio di Pesaro 2026
Practical information — Palio di Pesaro
Where
The heart of the event is the Rocca Costanza, in the historic center of Pesaro, with events also spread across Piazza del Popolo, along the Corso, and in the city gardens.
How to get there
By train: Pesaro station is on the Bologna–Ancona Adriatic line, a few minutes' walk from the Rocca. By car: take the Pesaro-Urbino exit from the A14 motorway, then follow signs for the center (during the Palio, traffic and parking regulations are subject to change in the surrounding streets).
Admission
Entry to the races and shows is free. Some side activities, such as treasure hunts, may require a registration fee.
Information
URP Municipality of Pesaro, tel. +39 0721 387111, [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Palio di Pesaro
Rocca Costanza
Piazzale Karl Marx, 61121 Pesaro