On Saturday 1st and on Sunday 2nd of August 2026 in Cesenatico the traditional commemoration in honour of the Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi will take place.
The festival dates back to the year 1885 and recalls the 2nd of August 1849, when Giuseppe Garibaldi arrived here with patriots; they had escaped from Rome and were heading for Venice, hunted both over land and sea by their pursuers. They embarked in thirteen "bragozzi" (boats) and faced the stormy weather.
The program includes:
August 1st at 9pm the traditional Palio della Cuccagna (greasy pole race) between the neighborhoods of Cesenatico on the Canal Port. The competitors must climb into a real "ascent" up an almost 14 meter long greasy pole, placed obliquely over the water of the Canal Harbor. Before falling into the water, each participant should be able to remove a bit of grease to allow others to reach the top of the pole more easily. A challenge that will declare the winner not only who has more balance to reach the end of "the greasy pole", but also those who prove themselves more skilful than the others in pursuing a team strategy.
On August 2nd at 9.30am, a parade of Garibaldians along the canal banks with the town band “Città di Gradara” and excursion by boat with the Municipal Authorities. In the evening, at 10pm, spectacular fireworks on the beach in front of Piazza Costa.
