Palio Remiero
The historic night-time regatta in the Gulf of Pallanza, on the eve of Ferragosto
About Palio Remiero
The Palio Remiero of Pallanza
The Palio Remiero is one of the most beloved and highly anticipated events of the summer on Lake Maggiore. It takes place in the heart of Pallanza, one of the three historic districts that make up the town of Verbania, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont. Every year, on the eve of Ferragosto, the Gulf of Pallanza transforms into an aquatic theater where tradition, sport, and spectacle merge into one grand popular celebration.
A regatta born in the seventies
Founded in 1974, the Palio Remiero has spanned over half a century of history, becoming a symbol of Pallanza's identity and a landmark event for fixed-seat rowing enthusiasts. The event is organized by the Gruppo Difesa Tradizioni Piazza-Vila in collaboration with the Italian Fixed-Seat Rowing Federation, which ensures the sporting integrity and the regularity of the races.
The night-time regatta
The heart of the event is the evening regatta: the characteristic galleons—boats painted in vibrant colors—race along a course marked by glowing buoys that create a magical, evocative atmosphere once darkness falls. The crews parade along the lakefront before the heats, then compete in a series of elimination rounds to determine the finalists. The challenge is divided into several categories, including the men's and women's International Palio, the Palio in Rosa reserved for female crews, and the Palio dei Campanili, which features local parishes and neighborhoods.
An increasingly international dimension
In recent years, the Palio Remiero has expanded its horizons, welcoming crews not only from the lakeside towns of Lake Maggiore and the nearby Province of Varese but also from abroad: boats from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Wales have participated in recent editions, giving the event a truly international flair.
The pyromusical show
The evening closes with the most anticipated moment: the pyromusical show that illuminates the sky over the Gulf of Pallanza. The fireworks, synchronized with music and reflected on the lake's waters, provide an emotional finale that draws thousands of spectators to the lakefront and serves as the perfect opening for the Ferragosto festivities in Verbania.
Palio Remiero — edition 2026
The 52nd Palio Remiero will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, on the Pallanza lakefront in Verbania, confirming the unmissable appointment on the eve of Ferragosto. The event, organized by the Gruppo Difesa Tradizioni Piazza-Vila with the Italian Fixed-Seat Rowing Federation, will feature the traditional night-time regatta in the Gulf of Pallanza, with crew parades, elimination heats, and evening finals, closing with the pyromusical show over the lake.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including times, categories, and participating crews, will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event on the official channels of the City of Verbania and Vivi Verbania.
Programme Palio Remiero 2026
The detailed program for the 52nd edition (times for the heats, finals of the International Palio, Palio in Rosa, and Palio dei Campanili, and the time for the pyromusical show) will be published in the weeks leading up to the event on the official channels of the City of Verbania (viviverbania.it) and Verbania Milleventi.
Based on recent editions, the day typically unfolds as follows: in the late afternoon, the crew parade along the lakefront; from 7:00 PM, elimination heats every 20 minutes; in the evening, the finals of the Palio dei Campanili, Palio in Rosa, and the men's and women's International Palio; around 10:00 PM, the final of the night-time Palio Remiero, followed by the pyromusical show.
Highlights Palio Remiero 2026
- The night-time regatta of colorful galleons in the Gulf of Pallanza
- The International Palio with Italian and foreign crews
- The closing pyromusical show on Lake Maggiore
Prices Palio Remiero 2026
Practical information — Palio Remiero
How to get there
Verbania can be reached by train (Verbania-Pallanza station on the Milan-Domodossola line, with a shuttle bus to the center) or by car via the A26 Genoa-Gravellona Toce motorway, taking the Verbania exit. Pallanza is also connected by lake via the Navigazione Lago Maggiore ferries.
Where it takes place
The races and the pyromusical show are held on the Pallanza lakefront, in the Gulf, with excellent visibility from Piazza Garibaldi and the pier.
Admission
The event is free and held outdoors. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot along the lakefront, especially for the evening fireworks.
Information
Verbania Municipal Tourism Office: phone +39 0323 503249, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Palio Remiero
Lungolago di Pallanza
Lungolago di Pallanza, 28922 Verbania