Celebrations in honor of the SS. Annunziata and Annunziata Fair

A festival weaving together faith and tradition

The Celebrations in honor of the SS. Annunziata are one of the most heartfelt events in the calendar of Montecosaro, a hilltop village in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. The focus of the celebrations is the hamlet of Montecosaro Scalo, which gathers around the Basilica of Santa Maria a Piè di Chienti — a jewel of Romanesque architecture in the Chienti valley, also known as the Church of the Annunciation. For generations, devotion and popular celebration have revolved around this ancient place of worship, which has also become a commercial hub for the area, on March 25th, the day of the Annunciation.

A week of religious and civil events

The festival is not confined to a single day but unfolds over nearly a week of events, from the preparatory triduum to the closing fair. The highlight is the evening of March 25th, with the solemn procession of the simulacrum of the SS. Annunziata, accompanied by the Gioventù dell'Annunziata band, followed by the fireworks display that lights up the valley sky.

• Triduum of preparation in the days leading up to the feast
• Holy Masses and solemn procession on March 25th
• Fireworks display to conclude the main day
• Evenings of shows, magic, and film screenings
• Opening of the traditional Annunciation Fair

The Gioventù dell'Annunziata band

The musical soul of the festival is the historic Gioventù dell'Annunziata band, deeply connected to Montecosaro Scalo. In 2026, the band celebrates its 70th anniversary (1956-2026): a milestone that has enriched the festival program with screenings and events dedicated to the band's history.

The Annunciation Fair

To crown the celebrations is the Annunciation Fair, an ancient commercial event that transforms the streets of Montecosaro Scalo into a large open-air market: stalls offering local products, crafts, clothing, and gastronomic specialties, creating a festive atmosphere that draws visitors from all over the valley. It's an opportunity to combine the spiritual dimension of the occasion with a convivial and popular one, following a tradition that is renewed year after year in the Marche village.