Palio of Romano and Rustic Corners
The challenge of the districts with the donkey race and the rustic corners
About Palio of Romano
A challenge between districts in the heart of the Bassano area
The Palio di Romano is one of the most deeply rooted historical events in the territory of Romano d'Ezzelino, a municipality in the province of Vicenza at the foot of Monte Grappa. In 2026, it will reach its 54th edition, seeing seven districts compete in a re-enactment that intertwines peasant memory, period costumes, and community spirit, with the involvement of over a thousand volunteers.
The Rustic Corners
The celebrations open with the Rustic Corners, now in its 34th edition: a day when the village streets transform into a flowered path through courtyards, barns, and corners that reconstruct scenes of past life. Each district proposes a different theme—from eggs to aromatic herbs, from coffee to the contraband market—thanks to the collaboration with local associations.
The donkey race
The heart of the festival is the donkey race, where donkeys race at the "Mussodromo" set up in the Park of Villa Negri. The race is preceded by a grand historical parade of the districts in costume, featuring ancient crafts, and performances by flag-wavers, a band, and majorettes. An event that blends competition, folklore, and fun.
Taste and community
There is no shortage of food stalls with traditional Venetian dishes, music, and festive moments that liven up the entire period. The Palio di Romano is above all a great popular festival that tells the identity of the Vicenza and Bassano territory.
Palio of Romano — edition 2026
The 2026 edition confirms the dates and program for the Palio di Romano between late April and early May. The 34th edition of the Rustic Corners is scheduled for Sunday, April 26th (with a rain date on May 1st), while the 54th Palio delle Contrade will be run on Sunday, May 3rd at the Mussodromo of Villa Negri.
Programme Palio of Romano 2026
Sunday, April 26th — Rustic Corners (34th edition)
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM — Flowered streets and courtyards with scenes of past life; each district proposes a different theme (eggs, aromatic herbs, coffee, classic market, contraband market)
- Food stalls and music
- Single ticket €5 (free for children under 1.20 m and people with disabilities); parking, restrooms, and free shuttle bus
- Rain date on May 1st
Sunday, May 3rd — 54th Palio delle Contrade
- 10:30 AM — "Me nono me contava": re-enactment of scenes from early 20th-century life with all districts
- 11:30 AM — Awards ceremony for the "The Palio Through My Eyes" competition (elementary school children)
- 12:30 PM — Cutting of the cheese wheels (Latterie Vicentine)
- 2:30 PM — Performance by the Quartier Duomo Flag-wavers (Palio di Feltre), Romano Band, and Majorettes
- 4:00 PM — Historical parade and 54th Palio (donkey race) at the Mussodromo of Villa Negri
Highlights Palio of Romano 2026
Prices Palio of Romano 2026
Practical information — Palio of Romano
How to get there
Romano d'Ezzelino is located in the province of Vicenza, near Bassano del Grappa. The main events take place in the Park of Villa Negri. Parking, restrooms, and a free shuttle bus are available on days with high attendance.
When
Between late April and early May. In 2026: Rustic Corners Sunday, April 26th; 54th Palio delle Contrade Sunday, May 3rd.
Tickets
Rustic Corners: single ticket €5 (free for children under 1.20 m and people with disabilities). Palio: consult the organization.
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Where does it take place — Palio of Romano
Parco di Villa Negri (Mussodromo)
Parco di Villa Negri, 36060 Romano d'Ezzelino