Contesa dello Stivale
The medieval historical re-enactment of Filottrano and the challenge of the seven districts
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 in 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 cherished historical re-enactments in the Marche region: for four days, the seven districts of the town compete for the palio in an atmosphere of handmade costumes, the aroma 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 Osimo in the 15th century. According to tradition, in 1466, an Osimo knight, during an raid into Filottrano territory, lost a boot while fleeing: hence the popular episode remembered as "Lu fattacciu a lu passu Largu", which over the centuries became a symbol of victory and pride for the inhabitants of Filottrano. The modern re-enactment began in the late seventies and has since become the identity event of the Municipality.
The seven districts
The heart of the festival is the challenge between the seven districts into which the town is ideally divided:
- Torre
- Marina
- Stimmate
- Monti
- Storaco
- Montoro
- San Biagio
Each district 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 districts' 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 districts, archery demonstrations, craft markets, and performances by flag-wavers and dance groups. The highlight is on Sunday with the grand historical pageant and the actual Contesa: a relay race between the districts culminating in the burning of the Boot by the winning district, 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 re-enactment. 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 summer 2026, confirming the continuation of one of the most beloved historical re-enactments 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 in August, from Thursday to Sunday, with the opening of medieval taverns, games between districts, archery demonstrations, performances by flag-wavers and drummers, and on Sunday, the historical pageant, 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 in August, includes:
- Thursday — opening of the medieval taverns in Piazza Mazzini and along Corso del Popolo; medieval games between districts; evening dedicated to younger attendees.
- Friday — taverns open; investiture of the People's Captain; games and challenges between districts.
- 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 costume pageant; the Contesa dello Stivale, a relay race between the seven districts in Piazza Cavour; burning of the Boot by the winning district.
The precise dates and times will be announced by the organizers closer to the event.
Highlights Contesa dello Stivale 2026
- The Sunday historical pageant with 15th-century costumed participants
- The final relay race between the seven districts 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, Filottrano can be reached via the inland state roads; the village is about 30 km from Ancona. By train: the reference station is Osimo-Castelfidardo, followed by a bus or car transfer. By plane: Ancona-Falconara airport, about 40 km away.
Admission
Access to the event and shows is free. The district taverns offer food and drinks for a fee.
Tips
It is advisable to arrive early in the evening to find a seat in the most popular taverns and to watch the historical pageant on Sunday. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets of the center.
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Where does it take place — Contesa dello Stivale
Centro storico di Filottrano
Piazza Cavour, 60024 Filottrano