Palio del Velluto 2026

The Palio del Velluto in Leonessa returns from 26 to 29 June 2026 for its 122nd edition, transforming the village in the province of Rieti into a grand Renaissance setting featuring historical processions, contests between the Sesti, drummers, ladies, knights and traditional crafts.

For four days, the streets and squares of Leonessa come alive in a unique atmosphere, where history is brought to life through performances, re-enactments and traditions involving the entire community. The Palio is not merely a historical event, but a true journey into the heart of the Renaissance, weaving together memory, identity and collective participation.

In recent years, the Palio del Velluto has evolved into a major cultural project that looks beyond the event itself. Among the most significant initiatives is the storytelling project of the “Città Margaritiane”, dedicated to the territories linked to the figure of Margaret of Austria. Students and citizens are involved in promoting local traditions, architecture and crafts, becoming narrators of their own history through contemporary forms of expression.

There is also a strong focus on art, with a competition to design the 2026 Palio Banner – the symbol of the event and the prize awarded to the winner of the Sesto. This work combines historical accuracy, creativity and modern artistic sensibility, transforming the banner into an ideal bridge between past and present.

With its processions, competitions, performances and moments of great public engagement, the Palio del Velluto is now one of the most fascinating historical re-enactments in Central Italy, capable of bringing history to life as a shared experience deeply rooted in the local area.

‘Leonessa Rinascimentale’ continues throughout July and August

The Palio del Velluto does not end with the historical re-enactment, but continues with a packed cultural programme that runs throughout the summer in Leonessa.

On 18 July, the celebrations marking the founding of Leonessa take place, featuring a historical procession dedicated to Charles I of Anjou, a concert by the Leonessa Band and the Sesti lottery draw.

On 19 July, the ‘Laboratori di Trasmissione dei Saperi’ (Knowledge-Sharing Workshops) take place, focusing on the creation of jewellery in a historical style.

On 8 August, the workshops continue with sessions on Renaissance hairstyles and headdresses, whilst on 9 August, the Cloister of San Francesco hosts ‘La Musica Cortese del Rinascimento’, a concert by the Ars Cantus Mensurabiles ensemble, dedicated to Venetian Renaissance music.

The cultural programme gets underway in the weeks leading up to the Palio, with events dedicated to storytelling, the Giostra dei Tamburi (20 June) and numerous cultural initiatives that demonstrate how the Palio del Velluto is now an event that continues throughout the summer, transforming Leonessa into a permanent showcase of history, art and traditions.

With its processions, competitions between the Sesti, performances, workshops and cultural initiatives, the Palio del Velluto remains one of the most fascinating historical re-enactments in Central Italy, bringing the Renaissance to life as a shared experience deeply rooted in the identity of the local area.