Castaldato Interocrino and National Medieval Drum Festival (with Palio Madonna del Popolo)
The grand medieval re-enactment of Antrodoco, featuring costumed processions, the Palio of the districts, and the Night of the Drums
About Castaldato Interocrino
A village returning to the Middle Ages
Throughout the month of July, the historic center of Antrodoco, in the province of Rieti, Lazio, transforms into a fascinating medieval setting. The Castaldato Interocrino is one of the most meticulously curated historical re-enactments in the Rieti region: reaching its 13th edition in 2026, it retraces the events that shaped the village between 1228 and 1371, during the times of Frederick II of Swabia, Charles of Anjou, and Queen Joanna I of Naples. Hundreds of participants in historically accurate costumes bring the alleys, squares, and cloisters to life, restoring the atmosphere of a vibrant and pulsating medieval community.
The five districts and the Palio Madonna del Popolo
The heart of the event is the challenge between the districts (rioni) of Antrodoco: Lu Bagnu, San Terenziano, Rocca di Corno, La Cona, and Centro Storico. The neighborhoods vie for the archers' podium, the Lady's throne, and above all, the Palio Madonna del Popolo, the trophy awarded to the winning district. Each district parades some of the most significant episodes of local history, from the Peace of Anagni to fiscal revolts, noble weddings, and royal interventions.
The Night of the Lady and the processions
Among the most evocative moments is The Night of the Lady: the Procession of the Ladies crosses the village to the solemn ceremony, followed by the Lady's Banquet and the Wayfarer's Meal in the Cloister of Santa Chiara, concluding with the proclamation of the Lady of the Castaldato and the Count of the Archers, accompanied by medieval dances and performances by the Little Drummers of Antrodoco.
The National Medieval Drum Festival
Completing the calendar is the National Medieval Drum Festival, a well-established event that culminates in the spectacular Night of the Drums. In Piazza IV Novembre, percussion troupes from all over the peninsula gather: Abruzzo, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Puglia, Sicily, and Umbria. Drum rolls, flag-wavers, and martial games make the atmosphere of the historic center even more authentic.
Medieval flavors and craftsmanship
The re-enactment is not just a show: along the village streets, you will find taverns, tastings of local products, and traditional dishes from the Rieti area, while workshops and studios showcase ancient crafts, from lace-making to floral arrangements. It is an opportunity to discover Antrodoco, nestled in the mountains of northern Lazio, in one of its most evocative guises.
Castaldato Interocrino — edition 2026
The 13th edition of the Castaldato Interocrino takes place from July 4 to 24, 2026, in the historic center of Antrodoco, re-enacting the village's Middle Ages during the times of Frederick II, Charles of Anjou, and Joanna I of Naples. The districts of Lu Bagnu, San Terenziano, Rocca di Corno, La Cona, and Centro Storico compete for the archers' podium, the Lady's throne, and the 13th Palio Madonna del Popolo.
The calendar alternates historical conferences, costumed processions, the evocative Night of the Lady, and the National Medieval Drum Festival with its Night of the Drums, featuring flag-wavers, martial games, taverns, and tastings of typical Rieti products.
Programme Castaldato Interocrino 2026
First weekend (July 4-5)
- Saturday, July 4, 5:00 PM — Medieval conference "Sewing the Middle Ages"
- Sunday, July 5, from 9:30 AM — Memorial and Archers' Challenge
Second weekend (July 11-12)
- Saturday, July 11, 6:00 PM — "Cloth Procession" with the Drum Company and the Archers' Company, and presentation of the "Vesperi et Pandemonium" Pre-Festival groups; 9:30 PM performance by the Flag-wavers and Musicians of the City of Foligno; 10:00 PM competition of the Pre-Festival groups
- Sunday, July 12 — "The Night of the Lady": 6:00 PM Ladies' Procession; 6:30 PM Ceremony of the Ladies and Archers with Holy Mass; 8:00 PM Lady's Banquet and Wayfarer's Meal; 10:00 PM proclamation of the Lady of the Castaldato 2026; 10:30 PM "The Count of the Archers" with medieval dances and the Little Drummers of Antrodoco
Third weekend (July 17-18) — National Medieval Drum Festival
- July 18 — "The Night of the Drums" in Piazza IV Novembre, with percussion troupes from all over Italy
Full program and updated times at castaldato.it.
Highlights Castaldato Interocrino 2026
- Five districts competing for the 13th Palio Madonna del Popolo
- The Night of the Lady with the Ladies' Procession and the proclamation of the Lady of the Castaldato
- The National Medieval Drum Festival and the spectacular Night of the Drums
- Flag-wavers, archers, martial games, and historical processions in the medieval center
- District taverns with traditional Rieti dishes and products
Prices Castaldato Interocrino 2026
Practical information — Castaldato Interocrino
How to get there
Antrodoco can be reached by car along the Strada Statale 4 Salaria, about 20 minutes from Rieti. By train, the Antrodoco station is served by the Terni-Rieti-L'Aquila line. The nearest airports are Rome Ciampino and Fiumicino.
Admission and prices
Access to the village and the processions is free; tastings, banquets, and district taverns are paid events with dedicated menus.
Information
Full program and updates on the official website castaldato.it and at the email address [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Castaldato Interocrino
Centro storico di Antrodoco