Palio of Pesaro and Palio dei Bòcia
The challenge of the twelve districts in the moat of Rocca Costanza
About Palio of Pesaro
The Palio of Pesaro
The Palio di Pesaro is the major summer historical re-enactment 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 city's twelve districts, bringing to life 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, consisting of four laps during which the districts' runners must carry a weight of at least twenty kilograms. It is a race of strength, rhythm, and strategy that ignites the crowd until the winning district is proclaimed.
Three days of celebration
The Palio is not just competition. The festival opens with the evening of the Palio Ladies, a parade of the representatives of the twelve districts on the fortress bridge, accompanied by folk dances, costumed parades, flag-throwers, 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 city 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 fills with food and wine stalls, district taverns, markets, and entertainment. The organization is managed 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 in the name of fun.
Palio of 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 Palio Lady, 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 costumed parades, flag-throwers, drummers, folk dances, and fire shows, as well as food and wine stalls 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 of 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-throwers and fire games 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 no less than twenty kilograms.
Highlights Palio of 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-throwers, drummers, and nighttime fire shows
Prices Palio of Pesaro 2026
Practical information — Palio of 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 will be modified in the surrounding streets).
Admission
Entry to the races and shows is free. Some collateral 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 of Pesaro
Rocca Costanza
Piazzale Karl Marx, 61121 Pesaro