Italian towns San Ginesio and Fuscaldo host traditional Palio festivals in August

San Ginesio will stage the 55th edition of the Palio della pacca on 15 August 2026. The historic horse race will feature the four contrade – Porta Alvaneto, Porta Ascarana, Porta Offuna and Porta Picena – with riders such as Tommaso Suadoni, Jacopo Matticari, Alessio Ricchiuti and Davide Dimarti competing for a drape crafted by Paola Imposimato.

In the town of Fuscaldo, the Palio dei Quartieri begins tonight, pitting the historic neighborhoods of U Casteddru, A Cruci and U Passo against each other in a series of cultural competitions. The event will continue on 13 August, 17 August and culminate on 20 August with a final celebration in the Fontanella area. The municipality has provided free shuttle service between the marina and the historic centre, and Mayor Giacomo Middea praised the festival as a showcase of local tradition, cuisine and community spirit.