Palio degli Asini in Alba: Dates, Tickets, and Everything You Need to Know About the Donkey Race

Alba – The Palio degli Asini will take place in 2026 on Sunday, October 4, . Nine city districts will each send a donkey to Piazza Senatore Osvaldo Cagnasso; the race starts at 3:00 p.m., and the historic parade preceding it begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the grandstand cost between 20.00 and 33.00 euros; the parade and the donkey raffle are free.

What sets this race apart from every other Palio in Italy: It began as an insult. And it regularly goes wrong because donkeys have absolutely no interest in running in circles. That’s exactly what makes it so appealing.

In this guide, you’ll find the complete schedule for race day, all ticket categories and their deadlines, the nine borghi, the history behind the race, and practical information on how to get there, seating, and combining your visit with the Truffle Fair. We have verified the dates and prices against the official websites of the Ente Fiera di Alba and the City of Alba.

When will the 2026 Palio degli Asini take place?

The race takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Piazza Senatore Osvaldo Cagnasso in Alba. The rule is simple: The Palio always takes place on the first Sunday in October, and this has been the case for decades.

Important to note when planning: The Palio is not part of the Truffle Fair in the strict sense, even though the two go hand in hand. The 96th. Truffle Fair in Alba It runs from October 10 to December 6, 2026, so it doesn't open until six days after the race. Anyone who wants to see both will have to either make two trips or stay in the region for just under a week.

The Palio isn't the only folklore event, either. The neighborhood festivals run from early September through late October, and several of them are free to attend. You can find the complete list below.

What happens on race day?

October 4 has a set schedule that starts as early as the morning. Anyone who comes just for the race will miss the two best parts of the program—and they’re free.

In the morning, a drawing is held in Piazza Risorgimento to determine which Borgo gets which donkey. That may sound like bureaucracy, but it’s actually the most emotional moment of the day: The representatives of the city’s neighborhoods know exactly which animals have run in previous years and which ones prefer to sit down. Their reactions reflect that knowledge.

In the afternoon, a parade of people in medieval costumes winds its way through the city. Over 1,000 people take part, wearing costumes that the borghi have been preserving—in some cases for decades. The parade begins at Piazza Michele Ferrero, proceeds along Corso Fratelli Bandiera and Corso Matteotti, and ends at the racetrack.

How much does a ticket cost, and where can you buy one?

You'll need a ticket for the stands surrounding the arena. The price depends on two things: the stand and when you buy your ticket. The early-bird rate is valid through September 7, 2026; after that, prices will rise significantly.

Tickets have been on sale online since July 3. You can purchase tickets in person between August 31 and October 2 at the Ente Fiera office at Piazza Medford 3, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On race day itself, the box office at the arena will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but only while seats are available. Last-minute visitors shouldn’t count on there being any tickets left on October 4.

Why do the people of Albes let donkeys run around but not horses?

Because the race was intended as an insult. The story dates back to 1275 and a conflict with the neighboring city of Asti.

The Astigiani laid siege to Alba, burned down the San Frontiniano monastery south of the city, and then held their own Palio right beneath Alba’s city walls—a horse race staged in full view of those trapped inside, as a demonstrative act of humiliation. The people of Alba were powerless to respond militarily, so they resorted to the only means left to them: mockery. They had donkeys run the race, thereby turning the noble competition into a parody.

Over the centuries, this gesture has evolved into an institution. To this day, the Palio degli Asini remains a race that doesn’t take itself seriously—and that’s entirely by design. Anyone expecting a sporting event hasn’t grasped the concept.

Since when has the race existed in its current form?

The modern edition began in 1932 and initially ran through 1934. This was followed by a hiatus; the event resumed in 1945, and again in 1947 and 1948. Starting in 1951 and 1952, the event was held under the name Giostra delle Cento Torri, modeled after the medieval family towers for which Alba was once famous.

The Palio has been held without interruption since 1967, with a single exception in 1976. The 66th edition took place in October 2025, and the 67th will follow in 2026. This makes the Palio one of Piedmont’s most enduring folk festivals and the true kickoff of the Albe autumn season.

The entire event is organized by the Giostra delle Cento Torri, the umbrella organization for the nine city districts. The work is done on a volunteer basis and continues throughout the year: sewing costumes, practicing flag-waving, rehearsing with drum groups, and preparing the historical reenactment.

Which nine borghi are competing against each other?

Alba is divided into nine historic districts, which borghi. Each has its own colors, its own coat of arms, its own clubhouse, and its own fan base. Anyone born in Alba belongs to a borgo, and that never changes.

The rivalry is real, but good-natured. On race day, you can tell which team they’re rooting for by the riders’ jerseys and the flags in the stands. And by how loud it gets when a certain donkey reaches the home stretch.

• Borgo dei Brichèt – Record champion and defending champion, won for the 15th time in 2025
• Borgo Patin and Tesòr – the second-most successful Borgo on the all-time leaderboard
• Borgo Moretta – tied with Patin e Tesòr for second place
• Borgo Santa Rosalia – 2024 Champion with Fantino Riccardo Roggero
• Borgo San Lorenzo – known for its flag-waving and music group; awarded the prize for best parade in 2025
• Borgo San Martino
• Borgo Santa Barbara
• Borgo del Fumo
• Borgo delle Rane

The winner will lead the historic parade the following year. So on October 4, 2026, the Borgo dei Brichèt will lead the parade.

How exactly does the race work?

The rules are easy to explain, but putting them into practice is another story.

Each Borgo is assigned its donkey by lottery, not by choice. That’s the key point: You can’t buy a fast animal; you get whatever you draw. The donkey is ridden by a fantino, the rider, supported by a palafreniere, who is caring for the animal on the ground.

The race consists of two heats, each consisting of four laps. The top finishers advance to the five-lap final. The first runner to cross the finish line wins the Drappo for his neighborhood.

So much for the theory. In practice, here’s what happens: Donkeys stop in their tracks. They turn around. They run in the wrong direction. They lie down. A race that, on paper, should take three minutes drags on for over two hours. At the 2025 Palio, the preliminary rounds weren’t finished until around 5:00 p.m., and the winner was determined shortly after 5:15 p.m. The winner was the Borgo dei Brichèt with the donkey Rombo and the fantino Gianluca Zahnd, nicknamed Tuono.

It is precisely this unpredictability that draws thousands of people to the stands every year.

How are the donkeys doing in the process?

Many visitors from German-speaking countries ask this question, and it’s a valid one. The Palio degli Asini is specifically organized as an animal-friendly event. There are no whips, no doped animals, and no dangerous sections of the course, unlike at the horse race in Siena.

The track is marked off with bales of straw, and the ground is covered with sand. The donkeys belong to professional owners; they have been running in various Palii for years and are cared for by their Palafrenieri, who know them well. A donkey that does not want to run is not forced to do so, and that is precisely the reason for the long race times.

If you're still unsure: The historical parade in the afternoon is free and doesn't feature any animals in the competition. You'll get to see the costumes, the flag-wavers, and the drum corps, and you don't need to buy a ticket to do so.

What is the Drappo, and why is it so important?

The prize for the winner is not a trophy, but a painted banner: the Drappo del Palio. Every year, a different artist designs it, and every year, within just a few square centimeters, it tells the story of the race and the city’s neighborhoods. In 2025, it was created by Enzo Mastrangelo, an artist born in Alba.

The Drappo will be unveiled as early as September, at the Capitolo della Giostra. For the Borghi, it serves as a visible symbol of pride all year round: the winning neighborhood hangs it up in its clubhouse and gets to lead the historic parade the following year.

If you want to understand why adults in Alba spend a whole year preparing for a donkey race, you have to understand this point. It’s not about money or sports, but about status within the town.

What other folklore events are on the schedule?

The Palio is the highlight, but it’s not the only event. From early September through late October, Alba comes alive with a series of festivals, almost all of which are free to attend. If you want to experience the city without having to buy tickets and without the hustle and bustle of the fair, these are the days for you.

The most atmospheric evening of the series is the Investitura del Podestà on September 26: The Podestà is appointed the guardian of the race in a medieval ceremony and officially declares the Palio open.

How do you get there, and where do you park?

Alba is located in the province of Cuneo, about 60 kilometers southeast of Turin and about 150 kilometers northwest of Genoa.

By car: From Turin, take the A6 toward Savona to Marene, then take the A33 Asti–Cuneo and exit at Alba. From German-speaking countries, the route goes via the Brenner Pass and Milan or via the Gotthard Pass.

By train: Alba has its own train station. Regional trains run from Turin via Bra; the trip takes about an hour and a half. From the station, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the old town and the racetrack.

Parking: On Palio Sunday, the city center gets crowded starting in the late morning. Parts of the historic district are closed off for the parade, and the road closures begin earlier than you might think. Head to the signposted parking areas on the outskirts of town and expect a ten- to fifteen-minute walk. If you don’t arrive until 2:00 p.m., you’ll have a hard time finding a spot.

Where's the best place to sit?

The arena on Piazza Cagnasso is surrounded by bleachers that vary in price and view.

The Gold Grandstand is located in the start and finish area. From there, you can watch the decision and the handoff of the Drappo up close, but you'll pay three to six euros more than for standard seats. If you're only coming once, this is the place for you.

The Standard bleachers are spread out around the track. They’re cheaper and perfectly adequate for the experience itself, because the oval track is small and you’ll see the donkeys pass by you several times anyway. The advantage: This is where the Borghi fans sit, and the atmosphere is better than in the VIP seats.

Three things nobody tells you beforehand: Bring a hat—the bleachers aren’t shaded, and the October sun in Piedmont is still strong. Second, dust kicks up as soon as the donkeys start moving, so light-colored clothing is a bad idea. And third, everything takes longer than planned, so don’t schedule your evening too tightly.

Is it worth combining this with the truffle fair?

Yes, but not on the same weekend. The 2026 Truffle Fair doesn't start until October 10, and the Palio takes place on October 4. There's almost a week between the two.

Three options work:

• Just the Palio. Arrive on Saturday, race day on Sunday, return on Monday. Two nights—cheaper than during trade show season—and you’ll have the Old Town all to yourself.
• The Palio and the wine region. Extend your trip by two or three days and head to the Langhe, to Barolo, La Morra, or Neive. The grape harvest takes place in early October; the hills are ablaze with color.
• The Long Route. The Palio on the 4th, then a week in Piedmont, followed by a return to Alba for the start of the fair on October 10 and 11. It’s a bit of a hassle, but you get to experience both the folklore and the truffle market in one trip.

If you're planning the truffle fair yourself, you'll find all the dates, prices, and program highlights in our Guide to the 2026 Alba Truffle Fair.

Where are you staying?

Alba is pretty booked up in early October, but not quite as crowded as during the trade show weekends. Still, here’s the deal: For Palio Sunday, you should book your room a few months in advance, and many places require a two-night minimum stay.

If you stay in the old town, you can walk everywhere and don’t need a car. If you stay in the wine villages of the Langhe, you’ll pay less, enjoy a more charming setting, and need a designated driver. Barolo, La Morra, Barbaresco, and Grinzane Cavour are all between 12 and 25 minutes away by car.

Our conclusion: Is the Palio degli Asini worth it?

If you're expecting a perfectly organized sporting event, you'll be disappointed. The Palio degli Asini is chaotic, it goes on too long, and the main participants only cooperate when they feel like it.

That’s exactly why it’s worth it. You get to see a city that has been celebrating a festival for nearly a hundred years—one that grew out of a medieval prank—and that still carries it off with complete seriousness and, at the same time, a sense of humor. The costumes are authentic, the rivalry is real, and no one here is putting on a show for tourists. The fact that, in the end, a donkey wins—one that would actually have preferred to just stand still—is all part of the concept.

For 20.00 to 33.00 euros, you’ll get an afternoon like you rarely find in Italy. And if the ticket is too expensive for you: The parade in the early afternoon is free—and, to be honest, it’s almost the more beautiful sight.

Your next step: Mark October 4, 2026, on your calendar, book your ticket by September 7 to get the early-bird rate, and reserve your accommodations right away. After that, it’s worth taking a look at our Piedmont Travel Guide for the days leading up to and following it.
Prices, times, and event details are subject to change. Please check the information on the official websites of the Ente Fiera di Alba and the City of Alba before your trip.

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