Calendimaggio of Assisi
The medieval challenge between Parte de Sopra and Parte de Sotto for the return of spring
About Calendimaggio
Assisi Returns to the Middle Ages
The Calendimaggio of Assisi is one of the most evocative medieval festivals in Italy, which every spring transforms the Umbrian city, in the province of Perugia, into an open-air stage. Its origins lie in ancient celebrations of the return of spring, but the event in its current form dates back to 1954. For four days, Assisi divides into two rival factions competing for the Palio.
Parte de Sopra and Parte de Sotto
The city is historically divided into two: the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra and the Magnifica Parte de Sotto. The two factions compete in costume parades, tests of skill and strength, crossbow competitions, and above all in the Canto (Song), the choral challenge that is the heart of the contest. A jury of experts judges the competition and awards the Palio to the winning faction at the end of the games. The rivalry is also linked to the choice of the Madonna Primavera (Lady Spring), the symbolic female figure of the festival.
Between History, Theatre, and Tradition
Calendimaggio is not a simple re-enactment, but an authentic collective spectacle involving hundreds of participants in historically accurate costumes. Medieval life scenes are recreated in the alleys of the historic center, while pageants, flag-throwers, musicians, and theatrical performances animate Piazza del Comune and Corso Mazzini. For visitors, it is an opportunity to experience Assisi in a new light, immersed in the atmosphere of the 14th century.
Calendimaggio — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Calendimaggio of Assisi will be held from May 6 to 9. The jury consists of director Ascanio Celestini, choirmaster Maurizio Sacquegna, and Professor Umberto Longo. The program is divided into four thematic days, from the Handing Over of the Keys to the final Song, and falls in the special year of the 8th Centenary of the death of Saint Francis.
Programme Calendimaggio 2026
Wednesday, May 6 — "Handing Over of the Keys"
- 3:00 PM — Blessing of the banners in the Cathedral of San Rufino (Parte de Sopra) and in the Basilica of San Francesco (Parte de Sotto)
- 3:45 PM — Sounding of the Laudi bell and departure from Piazza Santa Chiara of the Calendimaggio Committee's procession to Piazza del Comune, with the curfew anthem; investiture of the jury
- 9:30 PM — Re-enactments of medieval life in the alleys of Parte de Sotto
Thursday, May 7 — "Madonna Primavera"
- 3:30 PM — Presentation parades of the ten Madonnas; agility and skill tests between Magnifica and Nobilissima: crossbow shooting competition, cart pulling race, tug-of-war
- Evening — Immersion into the daily life of the 14th century in the alleys of Parte de Sopra
Friday, May 8 — "The Spectacle"
- Afternoon — Calendimaggio for Children
- Evening — "La Tenzone": evening pageants and fire games
Saturday, May 9 — "The Challenge"
- From 4:00 PM — Sounding of the Laudi bell, entry of the historical pageants, challenge proclamations, and exit of the costumed participants in Corso Mazzini and Piazza Santa Chiara
- From 9:30 PM — "Il Canto" (The Song): choral challenge between the two Factions, after which the jury retires to award the Palio
Highlights Calendimaggio 2026
Prices Calendimaggio 2026
Practical information — Calendimaggio
How to Get There
Assisi is reachable by train (Santa Maria degli Angeli station, connected by bus to the historic center) and by car from the highway to Perugia. During Calendimaggio, the historic center is closed to traffic: it is advisable to use the external parking lots and escalators.
Tickets
Evening events in Piazza del Comune (pageants, Tenzone, Canto) usually require tickets with seats on bleachers; many re-enactments in the alleys are free to enter. Consult the Calendimaggio Committee for tickets and advance sales.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Calendimaggio
Centro storico di Assisi
Piazza del Comune, 06081 Assisi