Caccia al Cinghiale Historical Re-enactment

One of the oldest re-enactments in the Marche

The Historical Re-enactment of the Boar Hunt is the major summer event of the Municipality of Mondavio, a fortified village in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the heart of the Marche Region. Founded in 1959, it is one of the longest-running and most beloved costume events in the area: every year, around Ferragosto, it brings the historic center and the famous Rocca Roveresca back to the atmosphere of the 15th-century Renaissance court.

What is being re-enacted

The festival celebrates the arrival in Mondavio in 1474 of Duke Giovanni della Rovere, nephew of Pope Sixtus IV, who became Lord of Senigallia and the Vicariate of Mondavio. Together with Duchess Giovanna da Montefeltro, the Duke officially took possession of the territory: the re-enactment meticulously reconstructs court life, civil and military ceremonies, solemn oaths, and the splendor of the era, featuring historical costumes, armed guards, musicians, and ladies.

The program

The program unfolds along the narrow streets of the village and is divided into several moments that have become traditional:

• The Bivacco: the dinner for the people and soldiers, set up in the evocative moat of the Rocca, which kicks off the festival days.
• The Renaissance Banquet: in the Franciscan cloister, the Duke and Duchess welcome their guests for a sumptuous banquet in costume, with period dishes and entertainment by minstrels and jesters.
• The Palio delle contrade: the districts of the village compete in archery and crossbow contests.
• Ancient crafts and Renaissance arts: along the streets of the center, educational workshops, artisans at work, and taverns with typical cuisine.
• Traveling shows: jugglers, acrobats, musicians, dancers, and falconers animate the village.
• The historical pageant of the Duke and Duchess and demonstrations by the Archers' Group, Historical Crossbowmen, and the Roveresca Court.
• The Sounds and Lights show: the grand evening theatrical performance, accompanied by pyrotechnic effects, which culminates the event.

The village of Mondavio

What makes the re-enactment unique is its setting: Mondavio is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, and its Rocca Roveresca, designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, is one of the masterpieces of Renaissance military architecture, perfectly preserved. The walls, walkways, and keep become the natural backdrop for three days of celebration that combine history, Marche gastronomy, and entertainment.

Organization

The event is promoted and organized by the Associazione Pro Loco IAT Mondavio, which is responsible for the setup, costumes, and the entire program each year.