Fuga del Bove

From 30 July to 19 August 2026, the village of Montefalco – famous for its Sagrantino wine and known as the ‘Balcony of Umbria’ – will once again host one of the region’s most cherished historical events: the Fuga del Bove. The event involves the town’s four historic districts – San Bartolomeo, San Fortunato, San Francesco and Sant’Agostino – which compete against one another in races, processions and contests, reviving the town’s ancient traditions.

The event kicks off on 30 July with the evocative Renaissance Banquet, a grand dinner that officially opens the festivities, transporting the historic centre back to the atmosphere of the Renaissance. From this moment onwards, Montefalco comes alive with a packed programme of events, culminating on 19 August in the spectacular Corsa dei Bovi, the festival’s signature competition.

From 11 August, the programme really gets into full swing with the Historical Procession, performances by flag-wavers and drummers, shows organised by the neighbourhoods, the relay race, crossbow shooting and numerous contests that fuel the rivalry between the four districts. Throughout the festival, the village is filled with costumed participants, Renaissance music and the atmosphere of times gone by.

From 6 to 19 August, the neighbourhood’s traditional taverns will also be open, where visitors can sample typical Umbrian dishes, local wines and specialities, whilst enjoying a convivial atmosphere and getting to know the local community.

New features for the 2026 edition include the inaugural ‘Cena Grande’ on 30 July, new dinner-and-show events organised by the neighbourhoods, and a revamped route for the historical procession, designed to showcase the views of the medieval town centre even more effectively.

The Fuga del Bove is one of Umbria’s most important historical re-enactments, bringing together tradition, culture, gastronomy and a sense of community in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.