Feast of the Statutes
The great medieval re-enactment of Fossato di Vico
About Feast of the Statutes
When Fossato di Vico Returns to the Middle Ages
The Feast of the Statutes is the grand medieval re-enactment of Fossato di Vico, a village in the Umbrian Apennines near Perugia. Founded in 1996 thanks to the insight of Professor Luigi Galassi, the festival commemorates the life and ancient municipal statutes of the village, which were recently recognized for their historical and cultural value and incorporated into the Municipal Statute.
The Challenge of the Four Gates
At the heart of the event is the competition between the four Gates into which the village is divided: Porta Nova, Porta del Serrone, Porta del Castello, and Porta Portella. The Gates vie for the palio through tests of skill and tradition: historical archery, the ciurumella challenge (an ancient folk instrument), and a medieval craft competition, judged by historians and dedicated to the Luigi Galassi Prize.
A Village in Costume
For several days, the historic center transforms: parades in period costumes, taverns, ancient crafts, and shows animate the village streets. Organized by the Associazione Medioevo Fossatano (Fossato di Vico Medieval Association), the Feast of the Statutes is one of Umbria's most cherished re-enactment events, engaging the entire community of Fossato di Vico in rediscovering its past.
Feast of the Statutes — edition 2026
The XXIX edition of the Feast of the Statutes, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the event (1996-2026), brought Fossato di Vico back to the Middle Ages. The 2026 palio, titled "Novecentonovantasei", was created by artist Alvaro Galassi and unveiled on April 25th at the San Cristoforo Auditorium.
Despite the rain on Sunday, the four Gates competed in historical parades, races, and shows. Porta Nova won again with 77 points, ahead of Porta del Serrone and Porta del Castello (72) and Porta Portella (57).
Programme Feast of the Statutes 2026
Sunday, May 3 — Preview
- Sbraciolatio statutorum at San Benedetto Park: archery contests and ciurumella trials
May 8-10 — The Feast
- Historical costume parades through the village center
- Historical archery competition — won by Amos Menghini (Porta Nova), 2nd Nicholas Mancini (Porta del Serrone)
- Ciurumella challenge — won by Francesco Ridolfi Bizzarri (Porta del Serrone)
- Luigi Galassi Prize for the best medieval craftwork — awarded to Porta del Serrone and Porta del Castello for "Le Candele" (The Candles)
- Taverns, ancient crafts, and shows in the historic center
Final victory for Porta Nova (77 points). Regional President Stefania Proietti and Provincial President Massimiliano Presciutti were in attendance.
Highlights Feast of the Statutes 2026
Prices Feast of the Statutes 2026
Practical information — Feast of the Statutes
How to Get There
Fossato di Vico is located in the Umbrian Apennines, along the SS3 Flaminia road; the Fossato di Vico-Gubbio station is on the Rome–Ancona railway line. The festival takes place in the historic center of the village.
Information
The event is organized by the Associazione Medioevo Fossatano. The program and details are released annually through the association's and the Municipality of Fossato di Vico's channels.
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Where does it take place — Feast of the Statutes
Centro storico di Fossato di Vico