Palio Remiero

A rowing challenge on the Arno

The Palio Remiero is one of the most vibrant events of the Maggio Calcinaiolo, the calendar of festivities that brings Calcinaia, a town in the province of Pisa in the heart of the Tuscan Valdera, to life every year. On the waters of the Arno, the town's three historic Rioni—La Nave, Montecchio, and Oltrarno—compete in a rowing race that draws hundreds of enthusiasts and curious onlookers to the riverbanks.

Origins and the link to the Regata Storica

Born in 2023, the Palio Remiero was conceived as a trial for the Rioni's reserve crews, a sort of competitive appetizer preceding the more famous and ancient Regata Storica of Calcinaia, which reaches its 189th edition in 2026. While the Regata is rooted in a centuries-old tradition tied to the patron saint Santa Ubaldesca, the Palio Remiero represents its younger, more dynamic version: same boats, same river, but crews composed of reserve rowers—often the rising stars who will one day defend their Rione's colors in the official regatta.

The three Rioni and their rivalry

The beating heart of the festival lies in the three Rioni, each with its own colors and loyal supporters. The rivalry between La Nave, Montecchio, and Oltrarno is healthy yet intense: every victory is celebrated with parades, songs, and flags, and the outcome of the challenge remains a topic of discussion throughout the year. The early editions have seen the different Rioni take turns winning, fueling a positive local pride that keeps the town's identity alive.

Inside the Maggio Calcinaiolo

The Palio Remiero is not an isolated event but one of the key moments of the Maggio Calcinaiolo, organized by the Deputazione di Santa Ubaldesca in collaboration with the three Rioni. During this same period, the historic Sagra della Nozza takes place in Piazza Indipendenza, featuring food stalls and evening concerts, alongside the solemn procession carrying the relic of Santa Ubaldesca's arm and, as a grand finale, the large community dinner in the square. It is a true community celebration that weaves together sports, religious devotion, gastronomy, and folklore.

An experience between river and tradition

Attending the Palio Remiero means immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscan village that views its river as an essential part of its collective identity. Along the banks of the Arno, one can feel the anticipation of the race, amidst local raffles, social evenings, and cheering for the crews. It is the perfect opportunity to discover a lesser-known but deeply felt tradition, far from mass tourism circuits and still firmly rooted in the life of the town.