The Salt War
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Heritage History

The Salt War

Torgiano relives the 1540 revolt

Torgiano — Perugia (054) Since 2018
Dates 07 Nov โ€” 08 Nov 2026
Location Torgiano (054)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About The Salt War

In November, the village of Torgiano, in the province of Perugia, goes back five centuries with The Salt War, a re-enactment of the 1540 revolt when Perugia and its surrounding territory rose up against the heavy salt tax imposed by the papacy. Featuring historical parades with about a hundred participants, ancient crafts, food and wine stalls, flag-wavers, musicians, jugglers, and falconers, the village streets transform into a grand living fresco of the 16th century.

A Revolt That Made History

The Salt War re-enacts one of the most significant episodes in Umbrian history: in June 1540, Perugia and its territory rebelled against Pope Paul III due to the heavy taxation imposed on salt. Torgiano, a village in the province of Perugia, was the last stronghold in the conflict between the Perugian coalitions and the papacy. The people of Torgiano negotiated a bloodless surrender and celebrated the event with a flower display, an episode that is still at the heart of the re-enactment today.

The Village Returns to the 16th Century

For the duration of the event, the main streets of the characteristic village come alive with a historical parade of about a hundred costumed participants. Along the route, you'll find stalls dedicated to ancient crafts, food and wine stands with traditional flavours, musicians, flag-wavers, jugglers, falconers, and entertainment.

A Celebration for the Whole Community

Organized by the Guerra del Sale Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Torgiano, the re-enactment involves the entire community and also offers games for children and moments of music and art. An autumn event that combines historical memory, tradition, and conviviality in the heart of Umbria.

The Salt War โ€” edition 2026

The Salt War returns to Torgiano on November 7 and 8, 2026, on the second weekend of November. The village relives the 1540 revolt against the papal salt tax with a historical parade of about a hundred participants, ancient craft stalls, food and wine stands, flag-wavers, musicians, jugglers, and falconers.

The 2026 edition of The Salt War takes place in Torgiano on November 7 and 8, on the second weekend of the month, coinciding with the historic Corpus Domini. The village streets host the historical parade with about a hundred participants, ancient craft stalls, food and wine stands, and performances by flag-wavers, musicians, jugglers, and falconers, in a grand re-enactment of the 1540 Perugian revolt.

Programme The Salt War 2026

Along the main streets of Torgiano's historic centre, on both days: the historical parade with about a hundred participants in 16th-century costumes, stalls dedicated to ancient crafts, food and wine stands with traditional flavours, and performances by flag-wavers, musicians, jugglers, and falconers, as well as games for children. The detailed schedule will be published by the Guerra del Sale Association and the Municipality of Torgiano closer to the event.

Detailed program coming soon.

Highlights The Salt War 2026

The historical parade with about a hundred participants and the re-enactment of the bloodless surrender of 1540.

Prices The Salt War 2026

Access to the re-enactment along the village streets is generally free.

Practical information — The Salt War

How to Get There

Torgiano can be reached by car from the E45 (Torgiano-Bettona exit), a few kilometres from Perugia. Nearest airport: Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi.

Tickets

The re-enactment takes place along the streets of the historic centre. For information on any tickets for shows or dinners, please refer to the official channels of the Municipality of Torgiano and the Guerra del Sale Association.

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Where does it take place โ€” The Salt War

Centro storico di Torgiano

Contact The Salt War

Tel
+39 075 988601

The Salt War in brief

Gastronomy Heritage History Medieval Historical reenactment Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Perugia

History of The Salt War