Donazione della Santa Spina
Medieval Montone and the Palio of the three districts in the village of Braccio Fortebraccio
About Donazione della Santa Spina
The relic of Carlo Fortebracci
The Donazione della Santa Spina is the grand historical reenactment 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 compete for the Palio della Santa Spina. The competition takes place on two fronts: theatrical performances ("with theatrical twists") and archery competitions, 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, reenactments, 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 reenactments.
Donazione della Santa Spina — edition 2026
From August 9 to 16, 2026, Montone hosts the Donazione della Santa Spina, the reenactment that has animated the Upper Tiber Valley village for over sixty years. For a week, the three districts Porta del Borgo, Monte, and Verziere will challenge each other 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 Donazione della Santa Spina 2026
The event takes place from August 9 to 16, 2026, featuring 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 competitions 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 — Donazione della Santa Spina
How to get there
Montone is located in the Upper Tiber Valley, in the province of Perugia. By car: from the E45 Cesena-Orte, take the Montone-Umbertide exit, then follow signs for the village.
When
In August, for about a week, mainly in the evening.
Tips
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 — Donazione della Santa Spina
Centro storico di Montone