Donation of the Holy Thorn
Medieval Montone and the Palio of the Three Districts in the Braccio Fortebraccio village
About Donation of the Holy Thorn
The relic of Carlo Fortebracci
The Donation of the Holy Thorn is the grand historical re-enactment of Montone, a village in the Upper Tiber Valley in the province of Perugia, among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. The festival celebrates the donation of a thorn from Christ's crown to the community by Carlo Fortebracci, son of the famous condottiero Braccio da Montone. Established by the Pro Loco Montonese in 1961, initially focused on the religious exhibition of the relic, it later transformed into a broader medieval festival.
The Three Districts and the Palio
The competitive heart of the event is the challenge between the three districts of the village — Porta del Borgo, Monte, and Verziere — who vie for the Palio della Santa Spina. The competition unfolds on two fronts: theatrical performances ("with dramatic twists") and archery contests, in a crescendo of spectacle and passion that involves the entire community.
A Week in the Middle Ages
For a week in August, Montone immerses itself in a medieval atmosphere of costume parades, re-enactments, shows, and the election of the Castellana. The festival is a tribute to the legacy of Braccio da Montone, one of the greatest condottieri of the 15th century, and to the precious gift from his son. An event of identity that makes the Umbrian village an unmissable destination for lovers of historical re-enactments.
Donation of the Holy Thorn — edition 2026
From August 9 to 16, 2026, Montone hosts the Donation of the Holy Thorn, the re-enactment that has enlivened the Upper Tiber Valley village for over sixty years. For a week, the three districts Porta del Borgo, Monte, and Verziere will compete with theatrical twists and arrows to win the Palio della Santa Spina, in a medieval atmosphere of costume parades, shows, and the election of the Castellana.
The detailed program will be released by the Pro Loco Montonese in the weeks prior. The festival celebrates the donation of a thorn from Christ's crown by Carlo Fortebracci, son of the condottiero Braccio da Montone.
Programme Donation of the Holy Thorn 2026
The event takes place from August 9 to 16, 2026, with a week of evening events in the medieval historic center of Montone: historical costume parades, theatrical performances by the three districts (Porta del Borgo, Monte, Verziere), archery contests for the Palio della Santa Spina, election of the Castellana, and moments related to the exhibition and donation of the relic. The detailed schedule of days and times will be announced by the Pro Loco Montonese closer to the festival.
Practical information — Donation of the Holy Thorn
How to get there
Montone is located in the Upper Tiber Valley, in the province of Perugia. By car: take the E45 Cesena-Orte highway, exit at Montone-Umbertide, then follow signs for the village.
When
In August, for about a week, mainly in the evening hours.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the stone alleys of the medieval historic center; arrive early for parades and competitions.
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Where does it take place — Donation of the Holy Thorn
Centro storico di Montone