Rivalta sul Mincio Festival – Palio delle Contrade

A village overlooking the river

Rivalta sul Mincio is a hamlet of the Municipality of Rodigo (Province of Mantua, Lombardy), one of the most picturesque villages in the Mincio Park, where the river widens among reeds and water expanses. It is here, in the Parco Fondo Mincio on Via Porto, that the Sagra di Rivalta takes place in September, the feast of the village's patron saints, Saint Donato and Saint Vigilio, bishops and martyrs.

The Palio delle Contrade

The most anticipated event is the Palio delle Contrade, which pits the village districts against each other. In the preceding days, preliminary tournaments of five-a-side football, bocce, and volleyball are held, while on Saturday, the districts compete in "games of the past" in the park and in the spectacular Palio regatta on the Mincio, a true test of identity for the Rivalta community. The day concludes with the risotto feast and music in the church square.

The patron saints' feast

Sunday is dedicated to the religious and convivial dimension: the solemn mass in honour of patron saints Donato and Vigilio is followed by the patrons' lunch in the green area behind the church, a gathering moment for the entire community. Participation, both in lunches and events, is organised by reservation with the committee volunteers.

Sport, tradition, and Mincio Park

The Sagra di Rivalta is much more than a village festival: it is an opportunity to discover one of the most characteristic villages in the Mantua area and to experience the Mincio Park in a festive atmosphere. The event, completely free, intertwines devotion, sporting spirit, and popular traditions, in a natural setting of rare beauty.