Festa del Quartiere Regina Pacis

A Neighbourhood Festival Nearly Forty Years Old

The Festa del Quartiere Regina Pacis is one of the most cherished events of the summer in Matelica, in the heart of the Marche hinterland in the Province of Macerata. Organised by the Quartiere Regina Pacis APS association, the event has enlivened the neighbourhood that gives the festival its name for decades and in 2026 reaches its 39th edition: a milestone that places it among the most long-standing and deeply rooted neighbourhood festivals in the city.

This is not a major festival with national headliners, but something more precious and authentic: a community celebration, built each year by the voluntary work of the neighbourhood's residents, where people gather around tables, dance in the square, and renew a neighbourly bond that endures over time.

Where and When

The festival takes place at the Piazzale Caduti di El Alamein, the space next to the municipal stadium (via Guido Rossa area), easily accessible and with ample parking. In 2026, the evenings are scheduled from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August, in the height of the Matelica summer, when the Pro Matelica calendar is filled with sagre (food festivals), concerts, and popular events.

What to Expect

The festival's formula is well-tested and revolves around a few ingredients that always work:

• Marche Cuisine: the food stalls offer local specialities, from traditional peasant dishes to more informal sandwiches and fritters, accompanied by Verdicchio di Matelica, the symbolic wine of this valley.
• Dance Floor: every evening, the large dance floor hosts orchestras and dance groups, with dancing that continues until late at night, featuring waltzes, mazurkas, and group dances.
• Entertainment for Children: bouncy castles, face painting, and games make the festival suitable for the whole family.
• Neighbourhood Spirit: the festival is managed entirely by the residents, and the proceeds support the neighbourhood's initiatives.

A Piece of Matelica's Summer

The Festa del Quartiere Regina Pacis is part of Matelica's rich tradition of neighbourhood festivals, which during the summer see the town's various districts — including San Rocco and Manozzini — come alive in turn with their own celebrations. For those visiting the Marche hinterland in August, participating in one of these festivals is the most genuine way to connect with the daily life of a Marche community, far from tourist routes and immersed in an atmosphere of popular celebration.