Poggio a Caiano District Tournament
The summer challenge between the five districts of Poggio a Caiano: a month of sports, tradition, and local festivities
About District Tournament
A month of challenges between the districts
The Poggio a Caiano District Tournament is the most anticipated summer event in this municipality in the Province of Prato, located in the heart of the plain connecting Florence, Prato, and Pistoia, in Tuscany. For nearly a month, from June 18 to July 15, 2026, the town's five historic districts face off in a series of sporting competitions that transform the Martini sports field into the hub of local life.
The five competing districts
Vying for the title are Santa Cristina, the previous edition's winner, along with Bonistallo, Candeli, Centro Storico, and Poggetto. Each district represents a neighborhood or hamlet of Poggio a Caiano and fields its own teams in the various disciplines, creating a friendly yet fierce rivalry that involves entire families and generations.
Seven disciplines for one title
The tournament is not limited to football: the challenge spans seven different disciplines, which award points toward the final district standings. These range from 11-a-side football to futsal, as well as cycling, running, fishing, volleyball, and darts. This variety is the secret to the event's longevity: everyone can find their own event and contribute to their district's success.
- Football and futsal: the heart of the tournament, with group stages and finals at the Martini field
- Cycling: the traditional "Giro del Castellaccio" through the town streets
- Running: a race that crosses the streets of Poggio a Caiano
- Fishing: a competition on the Ombrone stream
- Volleyball and darts: disciplines that kick off the calendar
More than just a sports competition
The District Tournament is above all a great local festival: every evening, the Martini field comes alive with the pizzeria open, stands full of fans, and the jovial atmosphere of summer nights. The event, promoted by the Municipality of Poggio a Caiano, is intertwined with the "Poggio in Vetrina" initiatives, the summer program curated by the Pro Loco that brings music, markets, street dinners, and shows to the town center.
Poggio a Caiano and its tradition
Famous throughout Tuscany for the Medici Villa commissioned by Lorenzo the Magnificent and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Poggio a Caiano lives in summer to the rhythm of its district tournament. For the locals, it is much more than a competition: it is the moment when the town reunites, rediscovers its neighborhood roots, and celebrates its district identity with pride and passion.
District Tournament — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Poggio a Caiano District Tournament confirms the well-tested formula: nearly a month of competitions between the five districts, from June 18 to July 15. It starts with darts and exhibition volleyball, then moves into full swing with futsal and 11-a-side football, interspersed with running, fishing, and cycling. Everything culminates in the football final on July 15. Alongside the tournament, the "Poggio in Vetrina" program enlivens the town center with music, markets, and street dinners.
Programme District Tournament 2026
June 18 — Inauguration
- 8:00 PM — Darts at the Martini field
- Exhibition volleyball match (inauguration of the multi-purpose court)
Futsal
- June 22 (8:30 PM Poggetto–Santa Cristina; 9:30 PM Candeli–Bonistallo), June 24 and 29; July 1, 3, 7
- July 13 — Futsal finals
11-a-side Football
- June 23 (8:30 PM and 10:15 PM, opening matches Centro Storico–Poggetto and Candeli–Santa Cristina), June 26 and 30; July 6, 8, 10 (semifinals)
- July 15 — 8:30 PM third/fourth place final; 10:15 PM final
Other disciplines
- July 2 — Running (start via Cegoli at Poggetto, finish via Garibaldi)
- July 4, afternoon — Fishing on the Ombrone stream
- July 14 — "Giro del Castellaccio" cycling race
Calendar subject to possible changes. We recommend checking for updates on the official tournament channels.
Highlights District Tournament 2026
Prices District Tournament 2026
Practical information — District Tournament
How to get there
Poggio a Caiano is located in the Province of Prato, a few kilometers from Florence, Prato, and Pistoia. By car, it can be reached via the A11 motorway (Prato Ovest or Pistoia exit) or the SS66. By train, the reference station is Prato, from which buses depart for Poggio a Caiano.
Where it takes place
The tournament headquarters is the Martini sports field, which hosts most of the competitions. Some disciplines take place elsewhere: the running race through the town streets (starting from Via Cegoli in Poggetto, arriving at Via Garibaldi) and the fishing competition on the Ombrone stream.
Admission and services
Admission to the tournament evenings is generally free. Throughout the event, the pizzeria at the Martini field is open. For updated information, we recommend following the official social media channels of the District Tournament.
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Where does it take place — District Tournament
Campo sportivo Martini