Canto del Maggio

A tradition that announces spring

The Canto del Maggio of Matelica is one of the most authentic expressions of Marche folklore. It is a questing song performed on the night between the last day of April and the first of May, when groups of singers called maggiaioli set out to greet the return of the good season. In the Municipality of Matelica, in the province of Macerata, this custom has persisted for generations and is now preserved by the Cantamaggio Matelicese Association.

What is Cantamaggio

Cantamaggio is a propitiatory ritual with ancient origins, linked to the agricultural cycle and the arrival of spring. The maggiaioli go from house to house, singing the verses of May in front of the homes and wishing good luck and prosperity to the families. In return, according to custom, they receive food, wine, and small gifts intended for the convivial feast that concludes the quest. The song almost always ends with a rousing saltarello, a traditional dance of the Marche Apennines.

Instruments and atmosphere

The melodies, cheerful and joyous, are accompanied by traditional folk instruments: accordion, concertina, guitar, triangle, and percussion. The voices alternate between soloists and choir, creating a festive atmosphere that fills the streets of the village and the hamlets of the Matelica countryside until late at night.

A shared heritage in the Marche

The Canto del Maggio is not exclusive to Matelica: the tradition of the Canti del Maggio is widespread throughout central-northern Italy, particularly in the Marche, Umbria, and Tuscany regions. In Matelica, however, it retains a strongly communal character, intertwining peasant memory, local identity, and the desire to be together. It is an event that allows residents and visitors to rediscover the rural roots of the Marche Region.

When it takes place

The event is traditionally held on the night between April 30th and May 1st, included each year in the official calendar of the Pro Matelica Association. Participation is free: just follow the maggiaioli as they move through the streets of the town.