Targa Cecina
The historic challenge between the seven districts of Cecina: allegorical floats, a foot race, and tradition since 1929
About Targa Cecina
A tradition alive since 1929
The Targa Cecina is the most beloved folkloric event in the city of Cecina, located in the heart of the Etruscan Coast in the Tuscany region. Its history began on September 22, 1929, when twenty-one runners representing eight districts competed in the first city foot race, won by Azeglio Bonsignori of the Rione Ponte. After a hiatus during the war, the event was reborn in 1952, enriched by spectacular allegorical floats, becoming the great community festival that still attracts thousands of people today.
The challenge between the seven districts
The beating heart of the Targa is the friendly rivalry between the seven districts that divide the city. For months, residents work in district warehouses to build papier-mâché floats and prepare costumes and choreography for the big September challenge. The competing districts are:
- Campaciocchi
- Casine
- Marina
- Palazzaccio
- Palazzi
- Ponte
- Stazione
As the event's motto says, "The Targa is not explained, it is lived": it is a sense of belonging that involves entire families and is passed down from father to son.
A week of events
Targa Cecina is not just a single day but an entire week of festivities. It begins with the solemn Blessing of the District Banners and the flag-raising ceremony, followed by the Minitarga dedicated to children, parades of allegorical floats through the city center, district dance performances, and gastronomic evenings in the square. The grand finale is reserved for the final parade of floats and the foot race between the districts, followed by the highly anticipated awards ceremony to crown the winning district.
International reach
For years, Targa Cecina has been twinned with Las Fallas of Sagunto in Spain, one of the most famous Spanish popular festivals: a bond that brings cultural exchange, joint flag-raising ceremonies, and Iberian flavors like paella in the square every year. The event is sponsored by the Tuscany Region and the Municipality of Cecina and is entirely supported by the work of volunteers, local associations, and regional sponsors.
Tradition and future
Today, led by president Barbara Giorgi, the Targa Cecina Association looks to the future by involving new generations, ensuring that this centenary festival continues to be felt by the people of Cecina as their own—a shared heritage to be cherished and passed on.
Targa Cecina — edition 2026
The 65th Targa Cecina returns from September 6th to 13th, 2026, to celebrate nearly a century of popular tradition. The program includes the flag-raising ceremony with the twin city of Sagunto, the parade of allegorical floats, the Minitarga dedicated to young people, district dance performances, the "Canta Targa" singing competition between districts, and the grand finale with the final parade and the foot race. The festival opens in the summer with the election of the Madrina and Alfiere during the 'Notte Bianca' and the Ferragosto tombola in Marina di Cecina.
Programme Targa Cecina 2026
The program for the 65th edition is spread throughout the week:
- Summer (July): Election of the Madrina and Alfiere during the Notte Bianca in the center of Cecina
- August 15th: Traditional Ferragosto tombola in Marina di Cecina
- Sunday (opening): Flag-raising with the twin city of Sagunto, parade of allegorical floats, Minitarga, and sports veterans trophy
- Weekdays: District dance performances in the square, "Canta Targa" singing competition, musical and social evenings
- Sunday (closing): Final parade of allegorical floats, foot race between the districts, and awards ceremony
Highlights Targa Cecina 2026
- Challenge between the seven districts: Campaciocchi, Casine, Marina, Palazzaccio, Palazzi, Ponte, and Stazione
- Spectacular papier-mâché allegorical floats
- Historic foot race for the conquest of the 'Cencio'
- Twinning with Las Fallas of Sagunto (Spain)
- 2026 novelty: the "Baby Targa Crew" (youth aged 12-18), drone footage, and LED walls in the center to follow the race in real time
Prices Targa Cecina 2026
Practical information — Targa Cecina
How to get there
Cecina is easily accessible by car via the SS1 Aurelia and the FI-PI-LI highway. By train, the Cecina station is on the Genoa-Rome Tyrrhenian line, with excellent connections to Pisa and Livorno. The nearest airport is Galileo Galilei in Pisa, about 50 km away.
Where and when
Events take place in the historic center of Cecina and in Marina di Cecina over the course of a week, generally in the first half of September. The allegorical float parades and the foot race animate the streets and squares of the center.
Admission and tips
Most events are free to attend. It is recommended to arrive early on parade days to secure a spot along the route. There are numerous accommodation facilities on the coast and in Marina di Cecina for those wishing to combine the festival with a seaside holiday.
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Where does it take place — Targa Cecina
Centro storico di Cecina
Via Torres snc, 57023 Cecina