Spring Palio
The spring version of the Giochi de le Porte of Gualdo Tadino, dedicated to young 'portaioli'
About Spring Palio
The Palio di Primavera, the Giochi de le Porte for young people
The Palio di Primavera is the spring version of the famous Giochi de le Porte (Games of the Gates) of Gualdo Tadino, in the province of Perugia. While the September Games feature adults, the Palio di Primavera is dedicated to the young 'portaioli' of the four 'Porte' – San Benedetto, San Donato, San Facondino, and San Martino – who thus prepare to carry on the tradition.
A festival that shapes the community of tomorrow
The Ente Giochi de le Porte has defined the Palio di Primavera as "a bridge between the past, present, and future of the Giochi de le Porte." Each 'Porta' elects its young priors and fields teams of young people who train for weeks in the stables and district headquarters, dividing their time between preparing the historical parade and competing in archery and slingshot contests. It is also an important tool for integration, involving young people from families of diverse backgrounds.
The weekend's programme
For two days, the historic centre of Gualdo Tadino fills with colours and sounds from another era: open taverns, performances by young drummers and flag-wavers, the Historical Parade, and finally, the real challenge in the arena of Piazza Martiri della Libertà, including the characteristic donkey races. The winning 'Porta' concludes the event with the traditional burning of "la Bastola" (the Bastola).
The Palio banner
The banner, awarded to the winning 'Porta', is created each year by a local artist based on a design by young Gualdo Tadino students, highlighting the intergenerational nature of the event and its deep connection to the city of Gualdo Tadino and the entire Umbria region.
Spring Palio — edition 2026
The Palio di Primavera 2026 in Gualdo Tadino takes place on June 5th and 6th. The event features the young 'portaioli' of the four 'Porte'. The Palio banner, the prize for the winning 'Porta', was created by artist Loris Cardoni based on a design by young Emma Stella and will be presented by the president of the Ente Giochi, Christian Severini, to the winning district, which will conclude the event with the traditional burning of "la Bastola". For Porta San Donato, Riccardo Bianconi and Flavia Valentini have been elected as young priors, demonstrating the active involvement of the district's young people.
Programme Spring Palio 2026
Day 1 — Friday, June 5th
- Opening of the 'Porte' taverns
- Performance by young drummers and flag-wavers
- Evening: Historical Parade of the young 'portaioli'
Day 2 — Saturday, June 6th
- Afternoon: The challenge in the arena of Piazza Martiri della Libertà
- Races of the young 'portaioli': donkey races, archery, and slingshot
- Awarding of the banner to the winning 'Porta' and traditional burning of "la Bastola"
Theme of Porta San Donato's 2026 parade: "The Chess Game". Other announced themes for the spring 2026 'Porte': Porta San Martino "Carnival and Lent: Time Marked by Religious and Pagan Rites in the 15th Century"; Porta San Facondino "The Serpent Regolo: An Ancient Legend of Fear and Mystery in Gualdo Tadino"; Porta San Benedetto "The Art of Painting. Light of Human Ingenuity".
Highlights Spring Palio 2026
Prices Spring Palio 2026
Practical information — Spring Palio
How to get here
Gualdo Tadino is located along the SS3 Flaminia, between Perugia and Fabriano. By train, it is served by the Rome–Ancona line. The races take place in Piazza Martiri della Libertà, in the historic centre.
Tickets
Access to the parade route is generally free; the 'Porte' taverns offer traditional Umbrian dishes. Check for any paid grandstands on the Ente Giochi de le Porte website.
Tips
An ideal event for families, with the young 'portaioli' as protagonists. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the historic centre.
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Where does it take place — Spring Palio
Piazza Martiri della Libertà