Somarlungo

Easter Monday trip to the "Santuario delle Grazie”

Monday 6 April 2026
Sports and Games

Somar Lungo, the traditional Easter Monday trip to the Sanctuary “delle Grazie” (Shrine of Our Lady of Graces) on the hill of Covignano, is back. 
With roots stretching back to the early 19th century, this traditional event has now reached its 18th modern edition. This historic cycle ride, which blends sport, devotion, and culture, will be dedicated this year to the discovery of "The Monuments of Rimini", featuring expert commentary along the route. Participants will have the opportunity to rediscover the city’s history, setting off from Marina Centro (Viale Vespucci, opposite Caffè Pascucci). The itinerary will include a stop at the monument to Captain Giulietti at the harbour, before crossing the heart of the city through Piazza Ferrari, Piazza Cavour, Parco Cervi, and Parco Fabbri. The morning will draw to a close around 1:00 pm at the Santuario delle Grazie where, following a guided tour, cyclists will receive a warm welcome and hospitality from the Rimini and Cesena branches of the Alpini (the Italian Army's mountain infantry).
This initiative is organised by the 'Zeinta di Borg' Association.

Info

Place: 
Rimini,from piazzale Fellini to Santuario delle Grazie
Entrance: 
Free

Programme

  • 8:30 am: Meeting at Marina Centro (Viale Amerigo Vespucci, opposite Caffè Pascucci) and a tribute to the busts of the founding fathers.
  • 9:00 am: Official departure.
  • 9:15 am: Stop at the Harbour (Captain Giulietti monument) and continuation towards the historic centre to visit the city's iconic landmarks: Piazza Ferrari, Piazza Cavour, Parco Cervi, and Parco Fabbri.
  • 1:00 pm: Arrival at the Santuario delle Grazie. Following the visit to the Sanctuary, participants will be welcomed by the Alpini (Rimini and Cesena branches) for a social gathering.

Additional information

Records of the "Somar lungo" date back to at least the early 19th century. Chronicles of the time tell of how, on Easter Monday mornings, the inhabitants of Borgo Marina would compete in a sort of palio (race) on donkey-back. Often, more than one person would ride the same animal—hence the name "Somar lungo" (the "long donkey")—racing around the Church of San Nicolò.

At the end of the race, the villagers would make their way to Covignano and the Santuario delle Grazie, either on the same donkeys or on foot, while the local gentry travelled by carriage. Once they reached the hillside, they would enjoy a packed lunch in the meadows—traditionally known as the ligàza—and the day would draw to a close with Vespers prayers.