With the Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup both taking place in 2026, sports tourism has reached new heights. But beyond the global spectacles, Europe offers a wealth of historic sporting events that have been celebrated for centuries. These competitions are not just about athletic prowess—they are living traditions that reveal the cultural fabric of their regions.
Italy's legendary races and games
In Siena, the Palio di Siena horse race has been held twice a year since the 17th century, on 2 July and 16 August. The event transforms the city's main square, Piazza del Campo, into a dirt track where jockeys from ten of the city's seventeen contrade (districts) compete. The selection process is unique: the seven districts that did not participate in the previous race are automatically included, and three more are drawn by lot. The race itself is a frantic three laps, but the real spectacle continues the next day, when the winning district parades through the streets of the losers, carrying dummies that symbolise rebirth.
Florence offers a different kind of tradition with the Calcio Storico Fiorentino, a sport that dates back to the 16th century. Combining elements of football, rugby, and wrestling, the game is played in a dirt-covered square, with teams from the city's four historic quarters battling for 50 minutes. There are no substitutions for injuries—and injuries are common. The semi-finals take place in early to mid-June, with the final on 24 June, the feast day of St. John the Baptist.
Czechia's gruelling steeplechase
For those who prefer equestrian endurance, the Velká Pardubická Steeplechase in Pardubice, Czechia, is a must-see. Held annually since 1874, it is the oldest cross-country steeplechase in Europe and is considered among the most difficult in the world. The race takes place on the second Sunday in October, with 15 to 20 horses and jockeys tackling a 6,900-metre course featuring 31 obstacles, including the infamous Taxis Ditch. The race lasts only nine to ten minutes, but it is so demanding that there have been years when no horse crossed the finish line.
Spain's human towers
In Catalonia, the tradition of building human towers, known as castells, dates back to the 18th century and is inscribed on UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. While there are many displays throughout the summer, the most prestigious competition is the Concurs de Castells in Tarragona, held every two years. Teams earn points based on the height and complexity of their towers. The next edition is scheduled for September, but tickets have already sold out—a testament to its popularity.
Türkiye's oil wrestling and Switzerland's alpine games
Across the continent, the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne, Türkiye, holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest continuously sanctioned sporting competition, with origins dating back to 1350. Over three days in late June, wrestlers covered in oil compete to pin their opponents. A match is won when a wrestler manages to lift his opponent and take three steps or spin him around, demonstrating control. Bouts last 40 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes if there is no clear winner.
Switzerland's Federal Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival (ESAF) is a triennial event that has been held since 1895. It features Swiss wrestling (Schwingen), the puck-hitting game of Hornussen, and the stone-throwing sport of Steinstossen. The 2025 edition drew over 50,000 spectators, and the festival is known for its relaxed atmosphere—it is the only major event that allows knives and glass bottles in the arena, as sharing cheese and bread is part of the experience. The next edition will be hosted by Thun in 2028.
Croatia's chivalric tournament
Finally, the Sinjska Alka in Sinjska, Croatia, is a chivalric tournament held annually on the first weekend of August since the 18th century. Knights on horseback race to strike a small ring with their lances, a tradition that commemorates a 1715 victory over the Ottomans. The event is also on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
These events offer more than just a sporting spectacle—they are a journey into Europe's past, where community, history, and athleticism intertwine. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a cultural traveller, adding one of these to your itinerary promises an unforgettable experience.
