The Mortara Goose Salami Festival (Sagra del Salame d’Oca) takes place every year on the last Sunday of September, celebrating its 59th edition in 2026. This milestone reflects not only its longevity, but also the success of an event that has continuously reinvented itself over time without ever losing its core identity.

From humble roots tied to local pride and traditional flavors, the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated events in Lombardy and beyond. Credit goes to the Sagra Committee, which has preserved the original spirit of the event while enriching it each year with fresh, engaging highlights that draw tourists, food enthusiasts, and curious travelers from all over Italy.

The Palio of Mortara is a historic contest between the city's seven contrade (districts), built around a live Game of the Goose (Gioco dell'Oca) where scores are determined through archery.

A grand historical parade featuring over 400 participants in late 15th-century Renaissance costumes from the court of Ludovico Sforza and Beatrice d’Este will march through the city streets. On Sunday, September 27, the districts will bring the city center to life with this procession of around 400 costumed re-enactors.

The winner of the game—the district that lands exactly on space 63 through precision shots using traditional longbows—receives a hand-painted ceremonial banner created by a local artist.

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