San Pellegrino, a hamlet in Gualdo Tadino, hosts from 24 April to 3 May 2026 the Festa del Maggio, a tradition rooted in 1004 AD, when according to legend a pilgrim sought shelter under a small bridge and was found lifeless with his staff miraculously in bloom. Since then, every year, the local community selects the tallest poplar tree in the area, strips its bark and raises it in the village square in his honour.

The festival opens on Friday 24 April with a briscola card tournament and traditional games. Saturday 25 April features a mass with the blessing of the poplars, a workshop on traditional crafts linked to the festival, and an evening of live music and a typical dinner using locally sourced products. Sunday 26 April sees the square transformed into an open picnic area for all. Wednesday 29 April brings a torchlight procession along the pilgrim's route with a theatrical performance. The centrepiece of the festival is Thursday 30 April: after mass and the blessing of the Maggiaioli, the day culminates in the evening with the opening of the food stands, the arrival of the Maggiaioli in the square, a fireworks display and the raising of the poplar.

Friday 1 May features a photography exhibition entitled Legami intangibili, in collaboration with the UNESCO Central Institute for Intangible Heritage (ICPI), with photographs by Fausto Podavini. Saturday 2 May offers an eighties-themed evening with street food and dance music. Sunday 3 May closes the programme with the Granfondo San Pellegrino, a cycling race organised with M.C2 Bike di Gualdo Tadino.

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