Alta Maremma Festival

A festival in the heart of the Grosseto Maremma

The Alta Maremma Festival is the most anticipated event in Civitella Marittima, a charming village in the municipality of Civitella Paganico, in the province of Grosseto, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma. Every June, the small medieval village perched on the Ardenghesca hills comes alive for three days with one of the region's longest-running and most beloved popular festivals, organized with passion by the Pro Loco of Civitella Marittima for over fifty years.

Between history and legend: the Corte dell'Ardenghesca

The soul of the event is its historical depth. The streets and alleys of the old town provide the backdrop for the Corte dell'Ardenghesca Historical Procession, a costume parade that evokes the ancient lords who ruled this corner of the Maremma in the Middle Ages. Flag-wavers, drummers, ladies, and knights bring the village to life, while itinerant theatrical performances, medieval music and dance, historical games, and juggling acts transport visitors back in time. It is a meticulously curated re-enactment that captures the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscan medieval town.

The Gran Palio Storico dei Carretti

The most anticipated highlight is the Gran Palio Storico dei Carretti, held on Sunday afternoon. Carts are launched down the steep slopes of the village streets, testing the speed and skill of the crews in an adrenaline-fueled race between the town's districts: Maremma, Centro, and Periferia. The winning district is awarded a work of art created by a local artist. Saturday is dedicated to the Mini Palio, reserved for children aged 6 to 14, who get to experience their own version of the great challenge.

The flavors of Maremma tradition

The festival is also a fantastic opportunity to discover the most authentic Maremma cuisine. Food stalls offer traditional local dishes: acquacotta (bread soup), frascarelli, handmade pinci pasta, game (wild boar, hare, pheasant), rustic soups, and the famous ciambellini co' l'unto. Everything is paired with excellent local wines, from Morellino di Scansano to the reds from the surrounding hills. The festival has its roots in the ancient Sagra dell'acquacotta e del pollo ruspante, from which the current event has evolved over time.

Music, atmosphere, and popular celebration

After sunset, the village continues to buzz with live music and DJ sets under the stars, in a festive atmosphere suitable for all ages. It is a village festival in the most authentic sense of the term, where the community of Civitella Marittima welcomes visitors from all over Tuscany and beyond, striking a rare balance between curated historical re-enactment and spontaneous popular spirit.