Festival of the Dove

A tradition spanning over five centuries

The Festival of the Dove is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Orvieto, in the province of Terni, in the heart of Umbria. Its origins date back to 1465, when—according to tradition—the noble Monaldeschi della Cervara family established the rite on the occasion of a wedding, forever linking it to the Sunday of Pentecost.

The rite of the dove

At noon, when the bishop waves a white handkerchief from the terrace of the Duomo's Works Office, a mechanical dove—the Palombella—is released to slide along a steel wire from the bell tower of the Church of San Francesco to the Cathedral square. Enveloped by a golden halo and a shower of fireworks, the dove reaches a tabernacle depicting the Apostles gathered in the Last Supper, symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The dove is then handed to the bishop and, according to custom, gifted to the last couple married that year.

Orvieto in Bloom and the Palio della Palombella

The religious festival intertwines with the Orvieto in Bloom event, which transforms the historic center with flower carpets, a balcony decorating contest, a horticultural market exhibition, and events dedicated to lace and ceramics. In the afternoon, the Palio della Palombella comes to life, featuring a historical procession of Orvieto's noble families, a crossbow tournament, flag-throwers, and musicians from the city's districts.

Between faith and civic identity

For the people of Orvieto, the Palombella is not just a re-enactment: it is a moment of strong collective identity that draws thousands of visitors to the city of the Duomo, blending devotion, history, and spectacle in one of Italy's most picturesque squares.