Festival · August 2, 2026 – August 9, 2026 · Cabernardi, Sassoferrato (AN)
Cabernardi celebrates the 25th edition of the Palio della Miniera di Zolfo, one of the most anticipated summer events in the Marche region. For a week, the town comes alive with historical games, shows, music, traditional food, and customs that tell the story of the area's mining identity. The event offers free admission and includes food stalls, concerts, and the Palio dei Ragazzi Under 18 (Youth Palio).
Get ready for a week of excitement! The festivities kick off on July 31st and August 1st with the 15° Trofeo Palio della Miniera di Zolfo individual bocce tournament finals at the Bocciodromo di Sassoferrato at 8:30 PM. On Saturday, August 1st, at 11:00 PM, enjoy 'ASPETTANDO IL PALIO...' with live music from MUSAICO FOLKESTRA, LA BAND DI PETRUCCI E FERRANDI, and SEMPLICEMENTE CANTAUTORI. Sunday, August 2nd, starts with the 5° PODISTICA DELLE MINIERE running race at 9:00 AM, followed by the grand Opening Ceremony of the 25° PALIO DELLA MINIERA DI ZOLFO at 9:30 PM, featuring the presentation of the four districts, the return of the 2024 Palio and Trophy, and a spectacular LASER SHOW. Later that night, at 11:30 PM, catch a concert by I FANTI DI BASTONI, a pop, rock, and punk cover band. Monday, August 3rd, brings traditional games like TIRO DELLA SFOGLIA CALIBRATA, men's and women's TIRO ALLA FUNE (tug-of-war), and CORSE VELOCI (sprint races) for men, women, and children (valid for the Under 18 Youth Palio), all starting at 9:30 PM. Tuesday, August 4th, continues the historical reenactments with CORSA CON L'ORCIO and CARTOCCIO DEL MINATORE at 9:30 PM. Wednesday, August 5th, sees the finals of the 15° Trofeo Palio della Miniera di Zolfo individual bocce tournament at 5:00 PM at the Bocciodromo di Sassoferrato, followed by a free entry dance evening with the 'MARIO RICCARDI' ORCHESTRA at 9:30 PM, and the bocce awards ceremony at 10:30 PM. Thursday, August 6th, features more traditional challenges: CORSA CON I SACCHI A STAFFETTA (sack relay race), SFIDA DEL SEGONE (saw challenge), and PROFESSIONE BOSCAIOLO (lumberjack challenge), all at 9:30 PM. The week culminates on Friday, August 7th, with the 11° PALIO DEI RAGAZZI UNDER 18 (Youth Palio) at 9:30 PM, and a lively disco night, PROJECT Z / SERATA DISCO, at 11:00 PM with DJs MATTEO BATTESTINI, DJ DAMI, and ALE VIGN.