Festival del Ciarlatano

The festival that rediscovers the travelling medicine men of Cerreto

Few people know that the small village of Cerreto di Spoleto, perched above the Valnerina in the province of Perugia, gave its name to a profession: that of the ciarlatano cerretano (travelling medicine man from Cerreto). Between the Middle Ages and the modern era, the inhabitants of Cerreto travelled across Europe as travelling salesmen of ointments, remedies, and curiosities, healers and hawkers capable of drawing crowds in the squares with the sole power of their words. From this tradition, the Festival del Ciarlatano is born today, transforming the historic centre into a large, widespread stage.

Performances in alleys and squares

For an entire late-summer weekend, the village streets come alive with street theatre, contemporary circus, magic shows, comedy, and itinerant music. Professional companies arrive from all over Italy, and performances follow one another from afternoon until night, with Piazza Pontano as the focal point of the event. The festival is organised by the Municipality of Cerreto di Spoleto, often in collaboration with the Fontemaggiore theatre company and local associations.

History, museums, and territory

Alongside the performances, the festival offers a journey into the village's memory: guided tours of the Museum of the Ciarlatano and the Museum of Mummies, conferences and meetings on the historical figure of the travelling healer, historical-naturalistic treks, and tastings of typical Valnerina products. It's the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Umbria, far from the most crowded routes, where popular culture and the Apennine landscape merge.

When and where

The Festival del Ciarlatano is usually held on a late-summer weekend, between late August and early September, in the historic centre of Cerreto di Spoleto. Admission to street performances is free.