The Gara dei Barroccini (Traditional Push-Cart Race) Returns to Rio nell’Elba

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, the historic center of Rio nell’Elba will host the spectacular Gara dei Barroccini (Traditional Push-Cart Race), one of the most beloved events in the Rio tradition, organized by the Pro Loco of Rio.

For one evening, the village’s steep downhill slopes and sharp turns will transform into a unique race track. The stars of the event will be the traditional barroccini: handcrafted, engine-less carts built by hand with wooden or metal frames, rope steering, and ball-bearing wheels.

Starting at 9:00 PM, drivers will compete in exciting timed descents through the streets of the village, combining speed, skill, and plenty of lighthearted fun. Spectators can follow the various heats and discover the fastest competitors and the most original barroccini of the evening.

The event will be preceded by the opening of the Pro Loco food stand: starting at 8:00 PM, visitors can enjoy grilled sausage sandwiches and cold drinks.

An opportunity to experience a festive evening and rediscover a tradition that engages residents and visitors of all ages.

Information
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Location: Historic center of Rio nell’Elba
8:00 PM: Opening of the food stand
9:00 PM: Race start
Admission: Free entry

 

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Spring and the Essences of Renewal

On Saturday, March 28, in the locality of Le Panche in Rio nell’Elba, from 9:15 am to 5:00 pm, the event “Spring and the Essences of Renewal – Botanical Trekking in the Poetic Nature of Blooming” will take place—an immersive experience that combines nature, poetry, and the discovery of the local landscape.

The initiative includes a B.T.E. trekking route along the Rio – Monte Strega – Monte Serra loop, a scenic path that crosses the Mediterranean landscape during one of the most fascinating times of the year: the spring blooming season.

This is a poetic excursion in close contact with the essence of the season of awakening—a journey dedicated to themes of renewal, resilience, and the vitality of plants, guardians of the seed of new life. Nature becomes a source of inspiration, inviting participants to leave the past behind and embrace change with awareness.

The event is organized by the Associazione Faremo Foresta, and all proceeds will support an environmental education project for a school in Grosseto, scheduled for late February 2026.

To participate, you must send an email to faremoforestaprogetti@gmail.com or contact +39 349 5388195, also confirming via WhatsApp.

An event dedicated to nature, awareness, and the beauty of the new season—an opportunity to discover new ways of observing the world.

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The 2026 Flying Junior World Championship in Rio Marina

The 2026 Flying Junior World Championship in Rio Marina to mark the 70th anniversary of the Centro Velico Elbano From 25 to 31 July 2026, Rio Marina will host the FJ (Flying Junior) World Championship, a major international event that will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Centro Velico Elbano.

The decision to award the world championship to Italy had already been made, and the Italian class secretariat identified Rio Marina as the ideal location, considering both the race course and the Elban club’s organisation to be particularly suitable.

The FJ class, created in 1955 based on a design by the Dutch architect Uilke van Essen, has historical ties to the Elban Sailing Centre: between the 1970s and 1980s, many young sailors from Rio began their competitive careers on this very dinghy.

Over 70 crews are expected from Italy – including several teams from Elba – and from numerous foreign countries: Argentina, Belgium, Japan, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United States, confirming the event’s international scope.

The programme includes the opening ceremony on 25 July, followed by measurement procedures. The trial race will take place on 26 July, whilst the races counting towards the world title will be held from 27 to 31 July. The final day will be dedicated to the prize-giving and closing ceremony.

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