Albenga Historical Palio: July 10, 11, 12, and 16, 17, 18, and 19, 2026

Historical reenactment, entertainment and shows, open taverns, and the Palio between the City Districts, a traditional event—now in its 16th year—held every July.
An event organized by the Ingauni Reenactors Association and the Palio Storico Districts , in collaboration with the Municipality of Albenga and the Mway Communication & Events agency.

The event takes Albenga back to the 13th century, kicks off in the penultimate week of July and sees the four districts - Sant'Eulalia, San Giovanni, Santa Maria and San Siro - compete in various competitions for the victory of the "Palio".

The 2026 edition will be divided into two major events:

  • July 10, 11, and 12 : “The Nundinae and the Ancient Crafts”
    reenactment dedicated to daily life and medieval traditions
  • July 16, 17, 18, and 19 : “The Palio of the Neighborhoods”
    with games, challenges, celebrations and a big final party

July 16-19 - Palio dei Quartieri: "The Sacred That Rules the City"

After three years of chronicling the world of ancient crafts and daily life in 13th-century Albenga, the new cultural itinerary focuses on the relationship between spirituality, society, and governance of the medieval city. The key figure will once again be Pope Innocent IV , Sinibaldo Fieschi, a key figure in one of the most important moments in medieval European history and deeply connected to the city of Albenga.

Under the theme "The Sacred That Rules the City," the 2026 edition will explore the role of the Church in the 13th century, the spread of religious orders, preaching, community moral control, devotional practices, and the relationship between spiritual power and everyday life. This historical journey will allow the public to understand how religion was a central element in the construction of medieval society, influencing culture, economics, education, justice, and social relations. For the first time, the historical project will see each neighborhood develop a different aspect of medieval spirituality.

The complete program

Four days of entertainment and competition will see the districts compete for the coveted Palio Storico di Albenga® through:

  • Historical parades : the event opens with large parades in period costumes with the passage of Innocent IV
  • Games between the neighborhoods : tug of war, the medieval family and stone throwing
  • Evening shows : musicians, fire-eaters, jesters, dances, duels and other itinerant artists
  • Great theatrical show on Friday and Saturday evening, 10.30pm, by La Duecentesca
  • Themed markets: artisans and medieval items in Largo Doria, Via Enrico d'Aste and Piazza
  • Palio Extramoenia: artisans, tastings, food, and typical products in Piazza del Popolo
  • Creative workshops for children by ARTBIT, curated by Linda Castiglione, on scheduled evenings, from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm (info INSTAGRAM @artbit_studio) :
    • JULY 16: Create your own medieval costume
    • JULY 19: Little alchemists create nighttime potions
    • JULY 18: messing with clay
    • JULY 17: Make your own medieval crown or mask
  • Taverns within the walls : a wide range of culinary offerings to enjoy the Middle Ages, courtesy of merchants in the historic center, local associations, and other participating businesses.

Educational activities, workshops, medieval table and demonstrations:

  • Medieval wooden games curated by the San Giovanni district in Via Mariettina Lengueglia.
  • The Unicorn Nutcracker and the Jar-Smashing Knight , organized by the Sant'Eulalia District in Piazza Trincheri.
  • Creative workshops for children by ARTBIT, curated by Linda Castiglione, on scheduled evenings, from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm (info INSTAGRAM @artbit_studio) :
    • JULY 11: Little alchemists create night potions

Two events curated by the steel blackbirds

From July 10th to 19th, the Civic Tower hosts an exhibition entitled "A Stroll in the 13th Century." Curated by the "I Merli d'Acciaio" Arms Company, the exhibition is free to enter from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

  • 13th Century Tailoring Exhibition
  • Exhibition of 13th-century weapons and armor
  • Music with historical instruments
  • Teaching about life in a military company
  • Entertainment for children and families

The artists of the 2026 edition

  • La Duecentesca Cultural Association
  • Fantasy Park Educational Farm
  • Contrada Corte – Flag-wavers
  • Chemistry of fire
  • Futhark
  • Ianna Tampè
  • Tagatam Rattles
  • Slughorns
  • Milfo the Buffoon Jester
  • Pierpaolo Pederzini
  • Amber
  • Drummers of the Podestà
  • Company of the Steel Blackbirds
  • Luporum Filii Arms Company

The Neighborhoods...to learn more

The Palio Storico di Albenga was born as a challenge between the four neighborhoods into which the historic center of Albenga was and is divided, and today it has taken the name of “Palio Storico di Albenga” .

San Giovanni or Torlata to the northwest, takes its name from the Baptistery or church of San Giovanni.
San Siro includes the southwestern part of the city and takes its name from a small church, now disappeared, dedicated to the Genoese bishop Siro.
Sant'Eulalia includes the south-eastern part of the old town and takes its name from a small church which no longer exists, remembered by the via Sant'Eulalia .
Santa Maria includes the north-eastern part of the city and takes its name from the ancient medieval church, rebuilt in the seventeenth century, of Santa Maria in Fontibus , from the spring which is found under the main altar.

Info on the neighborhoods