Cavalcata dell'Assunta - Palio di Fermo

The oldest Palio in Italy

The Cavalcata dell'Assunta is the grand historical reenactment of the Municipality of Fermo, in the Marche region, and celebrates the patronal feast of the Madonna Assunta every year. Its roots go back to 1182, the year of the first offerings from the surrounding territories to the city: for this reason, it is considered the oldest historical reenactment in Italy. In 2026, the 45th edition of the Palio will take place, the heart of an event that intertwines faith, history, and civic identity.

The ten districts

The absolute protagonists are the ten districts of Fermo, six historically linked to the city and four from the surrounding areas: Castello, Fiorenza, Pila, San Bartolomeo, San Martino, Campolege, Capodarco, Campiglione, Molini Girola, and Torre di Palme. Each district has its own colors, coat of arms, motto, and Prior who leads it, and for months they prepare parades, costumes, and horses for the race.

A summer-long journey

The Cavalcata is not a single day but a journey that spans the entire summer in Fermo. It begins in May with the 100 Days to the Palio and the children's historical parade, continues in June with the Investiture of the Priors, in July with the Children's Palio, the presentation of the banner, the "Gallo d'Oro" Trophy for the drummers, and the flag-wavers' competition. In August, the District Hostarias liven up the neighborhoods with traditional Marche dishes, while the medieval games of Tiro al Canapo and Tiro per l'Astore test the districts.

The parade and the race

The most solemn moment is the historical parade on the evening of August 14th, with hundreds of costumed figures in medieval-inspired attire crossing the historic center to the Cathedral. The next day, August 15th, after the reading of the Proclamation and the assignment of horses, the Palio is run: two heats of five horses and a final determine the winning district, awarded the painted banner.

An experience in the Marche

To experience the Cavalcata dell'Assunta means immersing yourself in the soul of Fermo and the Marche region, amidst the scenic Piazza del Popolo, the narrow streets of the town, and the passionate rivalry of the districts. An identity festival that attracts visitors from all over Italy every summer.