Historic Palio of Albenga

The party

Historical reenactment, entertainment and shows, open taverns, and the Palio between the City Districts, a traditional event - now in its 15th edition - held every year in 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 conquest of the "Palio".

July 17-20: Palio dei Quartieri

After the 2024 edition, which focused on the same event, 1251 is reconfirmed as the central year of the historical narrative. Pope Innocent IV, on his return from Lyon, received a solemn and festive welcome in Albenga. This true event has been historically explored and curated by the Ingauni Reenactors , coordinated by President Nicoletta Bellando and Historicity Director Nicolò Staricco , in collaboration with the historical groups of the various districts.

The connection with history continues, and in these very days the arrival of Pope Innocent IV will be celebrated. In Piazza San Michele, between the Town Hall and the Cathedral, the most eminent figures of Ingaunia pay homage and grace to the visiting Supreme Pontiff: the Podesteria, the high clergy, and all the patricians of Albenga and its surrounding countryside gather, surrounded by a crowd of cheering locals and commoners, who loudly cheer his name. This is the festive backdrop that animates the games underway and the open cellars throughout the town center.

• Historical parades : opening and closing of the event with large parades in period costumes with the passage of Innocent IV
• Games between the Districts : archery, tug of war, medieval family and stone throwing
• Evening shows : musicians, fire-eaters, jesters, dances, duels and other itinerant artists
• Themed markets: artisans and medieval items in Largo Doria, Via Enrico d'Aste, and Piazza IV Novembre
• Creative Workshops for Children : From Thursday 17 July, at 7.30 pm, children will be able to participate in artistic workshops led by Linda Castiglione, in the laboratory in via Mariettina Lengueglia 45
• Taverns inside and outside the walls : many culinary proposals to enjoy the Middle Ages, curated by the merchants of the historic center and other participating businesses

The artists of the 2025 edition

• Sant'Eulalia neighborhood
• San Giovanni District
• Santa Maria District
• San Siro District
• Fiammetta
• Chemistry of fire
• Melodic order
• Rabbit Company
• Tagatam Rattles
• Milfo the Jester Buffon
• Pierpaolo Pederzini
• Drummers of the Podestà
• Company of the Steel Blackbirds
• The Phoenix of Vasto
• 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

Photo Gallery