Giochi de le Porte 2026

From 25 to 27 September 2026, Gualdo Tadino once again brings the charm of the 15th century to life with the Giochi de le Porte, one of Umbria’s most spectacular and well-attended historical re-enactments. For three days, the historic centre comes alive with processions, competitions, performances and ancient traditions centred around the town’s four gates: Porta San Benedetto, Porta San Donato, Porta San Facondino and Porta San Martino.

The event opens on Friday 25 September with the evocative Corteo dei Vivandieri and the Scambio dei Doni, followed by the symbolic handing over of the keys to the town and the opening of the traditional Taverne delle Porte, where visitors can sample Umbrian cuisine. The evening continues with performances by the drummers of the Ente Giochi and those representing the four city gates, as well as spectacular displays by the flag-wavers and musicians of Gualdo Tadino.

Saturday 26 September is dedicated to skill trials, featuring competitions between archers, slingers and crossbowmen, who compete for the honour of escorting the Palio. In the evening, the village is transformed into an authentic Renaissance setting with the majestic Historical Procession, involving around a thousand participants in costume. Featuring handcrafted allegorical floats, scenes from 15th-century life and historical re-enactments, the procession culminates in the traditional reading of the challenge proclamations by the Priors of the four Gates.

The final day, Sunday 27 September, begins with the weighing of the carts and the prize-giving ceremony for the Historical Procession, followed by the Solemn Mass in the Co-Cathedral of San Benedetto. In the afternoon, the most eagerly awaited part of the event gets underway: the grand procession in honour of the protagonists of the Games, the re-enactment of the ancient guilds, the blessing of the jugglers and the start of the competitions that will determine which Gate wins the Palio.

The Giochi de le Porte are one of Umbria’s most important historical events, capable of involving the entire city in an extraordinary celebration of its identity. An unmissable event for anyone wishing to experience the charm of the Renaissance through history, entertainment, traditions and local specialities.