To commemorate Feltre’s spontaneous annexation to the kingdom of the Serenissima in 1504, the notables of the time decided to celebrate the event with an annual competition among the city’s districts. Up for grabs are 15 gold ducats intended for the winner.
 
Reinstated on a permanent basis since 1979, the event, held every first weekend in August, is perhaps the highlight of the albeit rich Feltre summer season. In those days, the city seems to forget about the present to immerse itself in the full medieval atmosphere. Everything is a glitter of flags, brightly colored and flamboyant clothing, street juggling, open-air dinners, ancient challenges and rivalries.

There are four competitions in which each district puts its prestige on the line: the relay race, archery, tug-of-war and the spectacular, as well as decisive, horse race. The winner of the palio will have the honor of seeing his or her coat of arms waving throughout the following year on the flagpole in the Main Square.

An event deeply felt by the citizenry, which requires meticulous preparation from both a sporting and logistical-organizational point of view, the Palio’s fame has long since crossed the city walls to the extent that it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the northeast every year.