Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio – Palio delle Contrade
The feast of the patrons and the challenge between districts in the village on the Mincio
About Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio
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 bodies of water. It is here, in the Parco Fondo Mincio on Via Porto, that the Sagra di Rivalta takes place in September, the festival of the village's patron saints, San Donato and San Vigilio, bishops and martyrs.
The Palio delle Contrade
The most anticipated moment is the Palio delle Contrade, which pits the village districts against each other. In the preceding days, preliminary tournaments of five-a-side football, bowls, and volleyball are held, while on Saturday the districts compete in "old-fashioned games" in the park and in the spectacular Palio regatta on the Mincio, a true test of identity for the Rivalta community. The day ends with the risotto feast and music in the church square.
The feast of the patrons
Sunday is dedicated to the religious and convivial dimension: the solemn mass in honour of the 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 the 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, blends devotion, sporting spirit, and popular traditions, in a natural setting of rare beauty.
Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio — edition 2026
In 2026, the Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio returns in September to Parco Fondo Mincio, with its Palio delle Contrade. In the preceding days, preliminary tournaments of five-a-side football, bowls, and volleyball are held; on Saturday, the districts compete in old-fashioned games and in the Palio regatta on the river, with a risotto feast and music in the church square to close. On Sunday, a solemn mass in honour of patrons Donato and Vigilio and the patrons' lunch.
The exact dates and reservation methods will be announced by the committee and the Municipality closer to the event.
Programme Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio 2026
Traditional structure of the Sagra (exact schedule to be announced by the committee):
- Preliminary days — five-a-side football, bowls, and volleyball tournaments between districts.
- Saturday (Palio delle Contrade) — challenges in "old-fashioned games" in the park, Palio regatta on the Mincio, followed by a risotto feast and music in the church square.
- Sunday — solemn mass at 11:00 AM in honour of patrons Donato and Vigilio, followed by the patrons' lunch in the green area behind the church.
Lunch reservations with the committee volunteers.
Highlights Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio 2026
Prices Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio 2026
Practical information — Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio
When
In September 2026, traditionally on the fourth Sunday of the month (with preliminary tournaments in the preceding days).
Where
Parco Fondo Mincio, Via Porto, Rivalta sul Mincio hamlet (Rodigo, MN), in the Mincio Park.
How to get there
Rivalta sul Mincio is located west of Mantua; the Parco Fondo Mincio is within the village, overlooking the river.
Admission
Free event. Lunches (risotto feast, patrons' lunch) by reservation with the committee volunteers.
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Where does it take place — Sagra di Rivalta sul Mincio
Parco Fondo Mincio
Parco Fondo Mincio, Via Porto, frazione Rivalta sul Mincio, 46040 Rodigo