Palio di Primavera
The spring version of the Giochi de le Porte of Gualdo Tadino, dedicated to young portaioli
About Palio di Primavera
The Palio di Primavera, the Giochi de le Porte for young people
The Palio di Primavera is the spring version of the famous Giochi de le Porte (Games of the Gates) of Gualdo Tadino, in the province of Perugia. While the September Games feature adults, the Palio di Primavera is dedicated to the young portaioli of the four Porte – San Benedetto, San Donato, San Facondino, and San Martino – who thus prepare to take up the mantle of tradition.
A festival that shapes the community of tomorrow
The Ente Giochi de le Porte (Organising Committee of the Games of the Gates) has defined the Palio di Primavera as «a bridge between the past, present, and future of the Giochi de le Porte». Each Porta elects its own young priors and fields teams of young people who train for weeks in the stables and contrada headquarters, dividing their time between preparing the historical parade and competing in races, archery, and slingshot contests. It is also an important tool for integration, involving young people from families of diverse backgrounds.
The weekend's programme
For two days, the historic centre of Gualdo Tadino fills with colours and sounds of yesteryear: open taverns, performances by young drummers and flag-wavers, the Corteo Storico, and finally the real challenge in the arena of Piazza Martiri della Libertà, including the characteristic donkey races. The winning Porta concludes the event with the traditional burning of «la Bastola».
The Palio banner
The banner, awarded to the winning Porta, is created each year by a local artist based on a design by young Gualdo Tadino students, highlighting the intergenerational nature of the event and its deep connection with the city of Gualdo Tadino and the entire Umbria region.
Palio di Primavera — edition 2026
The Palio di Primavera 2026 in Gualdo Tadino takes place on June 5th and 6th. The event features the young portaioli of the four Porte. The Palio banner, the prize for the winning Porta, was created by artist Loris Cardoni based on a design by young Emma Stella and will be presented by the president of the Ente Giochi, Christian Severini, to the winning contrada, which will conclude the event with the traditional burning of «la Bastola». For Porta San Donato, Riccardo Bianconi and Flavia Valentini have been elected as young priors, testifying to the active involvement of the contrada's young people.
Programme Palio di Primavera 2026
Day 1 — Friday, June 5th
- Opening of the Porte's taverns
- Performance by drummers and young flag-wavers
- In the evening: Historical Parade of the young portaioli
Day 2 — Saturday, June 6th
- Afternoon: the challenge in the arena of Piazza Martiri della Libertà
- Races of the young portaioli: donkey races, archery, and slingshot
- Awarding of the banner to the winning Porta and traditional burning of «la Bastola»
Theme of Porta San Donato's parade in 2026: «The Chess Game». Other announced themes for the Porte for Spring 2026: Porta San Martino «Carnival and Lent: the time marked by religious and pagan rites in the 15th century»; Porta San Facondino «The Serpent Regolo: an ancient legend of fear and mystery in Gualdo Tadino»; Porta San Benedetto «The Art of Painting. Light of human ingenuity».
Highlights Palio di Primavera 2026
Prices Palio di Primavera 2026
Practical information — Palio di Primavera
How to get there
Gualdo Tadino is located along the SS3 Flaminia, between Perugia and Fabriano. By train, it is served by the Rome–Ancona line. The races take place in Piazza Martiri della Libertà, in the historic centre.
Tickets
Access to the parade routes is generally free; the Porte's taverns offer traditional Umbrian dishes. Check for any paid grandstands on the Ente Giochi de le Porte website.
Tips
Ideal event for families, with the young portaioli as protagonists. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the historic centre.
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Where does it take place — Palio di Primavera
Piazza Martiri della Libertà