Dummy Race in Guardavalle

Like every summer, the Dummy Race returns to Guardavalle (CZ), the historical re-enactment that entertains young and old alike: a challenge between donkeys in agro-tourism, combining food, music, costume parades and the inevitable final fireworks display.

Dummy Race: fun and folklore

The legendary Dummy Race, in Guardavalle, along the Ionian coast of Catanzaro, is a popular event of a historical nature, the brainchild of the Guido brothers, at their family farmhouse (Agriturismo Fassi), and which has now become a regular fixture among the best-loved in the area.

The Dummy Race is inspired by the oldest history of Guardavalle, also known as the "City of the Twelve Towers", when the noble Politi family, owners of the land where the structure with the Pietrarotta Museum annex now stands, once a year involved their settlers in a day of popular games and fun whose main protagonist was the donkey.

Today, the Dummy Race is the perfect summer event for those who choose to spend a day in nature with the whole family or friends, among games, historical re-enactments, musical events and excellent local cuisine.

Dummy Race: programme 2024

The three-day Dummy Race features a programme of popular games, food and wine itineraries, and banquets set up along the structure's 'race' circuit, offering the best of local street food.

The shows, under the artistic direction of Francesco Sorgiovanni, aim to promote the territory and its history, which goes back to the medieval period of the County of Stilo, of which Guardavalle was a flourishing Casale.

Costume shows alternate with performances by street artists, musical moments, parades and tastings, up to the long-awaited afternoon ''Dummy Race'', followed by the traditional 'Giants' Ball' and the ''Dummy Ball'' fireworks display.

New for the 2024 edition is the 'Borgo Fassi' Prize, awarded to a personality who has distinguished himself or herself in promoting the territory.