Federician Year

A dive into the Middle Ages at the foot of Castello Piccolomini

The Federician Year is a grand historical re-enactment that brings Celano, in the province of L'Aquila, to life every summer in the heart of the Abruzzo Marsica. For several days, the historic center and the imposing Castello Piccolomini return to the Middle Ages, featuring costumed processions, flag-wavers, drummers, street performances, and concerts that involve the entire community and thousands of visitors.

Historical roots: Frederick II and Celano

The event was created to commemorate a crucial chapter in the city's history. In 1223, Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, known as Stupor Mundi, besieged and destroyed ancient Celano, deporting its inhabitants; only a few years later, around 1227, the city was reborn. The Federician Year retraces this story of destruction and reconstruction, with a particular focus on the famous Pact of Concordia, reinterpreted each year through theater and popular tradition.

A multi-year project

Promoted by the Municipality of Celano, the Federician Year is conceived as a series of celebrations spanning several years, launched in 2023 to mark the 800th anniversary of the 1223 siege and set to continue until 2027, the anniversary of the city's rebirth. Each edition enriches the narrative with new events, combining historical education, entertainment, and the promotion of the Marsica heritage.

Processions, flag-wavers, and performances

The typical program weaves together various forms of expression:

• Historical processions in costume with hundreds of participants parading through the town center;
• Performances by flag-wavers, drummers, and medieval trumpeters;
• Jester performances and itinerant theater shows dedicated to the figure of the jester and Federician history;
• Conferences and cultural meetings about the Swabian Emperor, often hosted in the halls of Castello Piccolomini;
• Concerts and major musical events, such as the spectacular 2025 opening featuring one hundred accordions;
• Closing moments with a drone show and fireworks over the historic center.

An identity-defining event for Abruzzo

Beyond the spectacle, the Federician Year is a powerful moment of identity for the community of Celano and the entire Marsica region. The setting of Castello Piccolomini, one of the most beautiful in Abruzzo, and the evocative medieval atmosphere make this one of the most significant re-enactments in the Abruzzo region, attracting visitors from many parts of Italy.