Contesa dello Stivale
The medieval historical reenactment of Filottrano and the challenge of the seven contrade
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Contesa dello Stivale
The Contesa dello Stivale, the Middle Ages live again in Filottrano
Every summer, in the days leading up to the first Sunday of August, the historic center of Filottrano, in the province of Ancona, transforms into a 15th-century village. The Contesa dello Stivale is one of the most heartfelt historical reenactments in the Marche region: for four days, the seven contrade of the town compete for the palio in an atmosphere of handmade costumes, the scent of taverns, and the sound of drums.
The legend of 1466
The event commemorates an episode truly linked to the rivalries between Filottrano and the nearby town of Osimo in the 15th century. According to tradition, in 1466, an Osimo knight, during an incursion into Filottrano territory, lost a boot while fleeing: hence the popular episode remembered as "Lu fattacciu a lu passu Largu", which over the centuries has become a symbol of victory and pride for the inhabitants of Filottrano. The modern reenactment began in the late seventies and has since become the identity event of the Municipality.
The seven contrade
The heart of the festival is the challenge between the seven contrade into which the town is ideally divided:
- Torre
- Marina
- Stimmate
- Monti
- Storaco
- Montoro
- San Biagio
Each contrada fields archers, drummers, flag-wavers, trumpeters, crossbowmen, and costumed participants, the result of months of preparation involving residents of all ages.
Four days of celebration
The program runs from Thursday to Sunday. The contrade's medieval taverns open in Piazza Mazzini, along Corso del Popolo, and in the streets of the center, offering traditional Marche dishes. Between courses, there are medieval games between contrade, archery demonstrations, craft markets, and performances by flag-wavers and dance groups. The highlight is on Sunday with the grand historical parade and the actual Contesa: a relay race between the contrade culminating in the burning of the Boot by the winning contrada, in Piazza Cavour.
An event for the whole territory
Free and family-friendly, the Contesa dello Stivale attracts visitors from all over the Marche Region and beyond each year, and is recognized as a national historical reenactment. It is the ideal opportunity to discover a hilly village in the Ancona hinterland and its cuisine, immersed in a meticulously reconstructed Middle Ages.
Contesa dello Stivale — edition 2026
The Società dello Stivale has announced the preparation of the 47th edition of the Contesa dello Stivale for the summer of 2026, confirming the continuity of one of the most beloved historical reenactments in the Ancona hinterland.
The official dates and detailed program have not yet been published at the time of writing this description. Based on the historical pattern of the event, it is expected to unfold over four days around the first Sunday of August, from Thursday to Sunday, with the opening of medieval taverns, games between contrade, archery demonstrations, performances by flag-wavers and drummers, and on Sunday, the historical parade, the Contesa, and the burning of the Boot.
The final program is usually released by the Società dello Stivale and the Municipality of Filottrano in the weeks preceding the event, through the official website and social media channels of the festival.
Programme Contesa dello Stivale 2026
The detailed program for the 47th edition in 2026 has not yet been published. The usual structure of the event, over four days around the first Sunday of August, includes:
- Thursday — opening of the medieval taverns in Piazza Mazzini and along Corso del Popolo; medieval games between contrade; evening dedicated to younger audiences.
- Friday — taverns open; investiture of the Captain of the People; games and challenges between contrade.
- Saturday — encampment of the armed groups, archery demonstrations, craft market; parade and competitions for the youth; performances by flag-wavers and dance groups.
- Sunday — grand historical parade in costume; the Contesa dello Stivale, a relay race between the seven contrade in Piazza Cavour; burning of the Boot by the winning contrada.
The precise dates and times will be announced by the organizers closer to the event.
Highlights Contesa dello Stivale 2026
- The Sunday historical parade with 15th-century costumed participants
- The final relay race between the seven contrade and the burning of the Boot in Piazza Cavour
- The medieval taverns with traditional Marche dishes
- Performances by flag-wavers, drummers, and armed groups
Prices Contesa dello Stivale 2026
Practical information — Contesa dello Stivale
Where it takes place
The Contesa dello Stivale is held in the historic center of Filottrano (AN), with its epicenter in Piazza Cavour, Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Mazzini, and along Corso del Popolo.
How to get there
By car: from Ancona or Macerata, reach Filottrano via the inland state roads; the village is about 30 km from Ancona. By train: the reference station is Osimo-Castelfidardo, then continue by bus or car. By plane: Ancona-Falconara airport, about 40 km away.
Admission
Access to the event and shows is free. The contrade taverns offer food and drinks for a fee.
Tips
It's advisable to arrive early in the evening to find a seat in the most popular taverns and to watch the historical parade on Sunday. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets of the center.
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 — Contesa dello Stivale
Centro storico di Filottrano
Piazza Cavour, 60024 Filottrano