Festival dell'Appennino — tappa di Montefortino

The Festival dell'Appennino in Montefortino

The Festival dell'Appennino is the travelling exhibition that every year, from May to October, brings culture, music, theatre, and hiking to the villages of the central Apennines affected by the 2016 earthquake. Promoted by the Consorzio BIM Tronto together with the Commissioner's Structure for the Reconstruction of the 2016 Earthquake, the festival aims to be a genuine intervention for the economic and social rebirth of the crater territories. Among the many municipalities involved is Montefortino, a small and charming village in the Province of Fermo overlooking the Sibillini Mountains, in the Marche region.

The Formula: Walk and Show

Each stage of the festival follows a tried-and-tested format, much loved by the public: in the afternoon, there is a guided excursion along the mountain trails, discovering spectacular landscapes, hermitages, and gorges; in the evening, in the village square, a show takes place — a concert, reading, or theatrical performance — often accompanied by moments dedicated to food and wine and local typical products. In Montefortino, the heart of the evening events is the central Piazza Umberto I, while the excursions typically lead towards the famous Gole dell'Infernaccio (Infernaccio Gorges), the hermitage of San Leonardo, and the peaks surrounding the village.

The 2026 Edition with Piero Massimo Macchini

For the XVII edition in 2026, titled "A due passi da te" (A stone's throw from you), the Festival dell'Appennino offers 31 events in 29 municipalities spread across Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, and Lazio, from May 3rd to October 31st. The Montefortino stopover is scheduled for Friday, August 21st, 2026, and features Piero Massimo Macchini, an actor, entertainer, and clown from Fermo, known for his visual comedy and mime shows performed on five continents.

Montefortino and the Sibillini Mountains

Listed among the most characteristic villages of the Fermano area, Montefortino is a gateway to the Sibillini Mountains National Park. Its historic centre, the civic art gallery, and its proximity to the Gole dell'Infernaccio make it an ideal destination for those seeking nature and culture combined. The festival stopover is the perfect opportunity to combine a mountain hike with an evening of entertainment, in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Marche region.

How to Participate

Participation in all Festival dell'Appennino events is free, but online booking is required on the official website festivaldellappennino.it, especially for the excursions, which have a limited number of participants and require good hiking fitness.