Fratta dell'Ottocento
Umbertide returns to the 19th Century: taverns, Garibaldini, dances, and cannon fire in the historic centre
About Fratta dell'Ottocento
When Fratta Becomes the 19th Century
«Fratta» is the ancient name of Umbertide, the town in the Upper Tiber Valley in the province of Perugia. For four days, between the end of August and the beginning of September, its historic centre abandons the present and immerses itself in the Risorgimento 19th century: streets and squares are once again populated by Garibaldini soldiers and brigands, ladies and peasants, in a grand costumed historical re-enactment that involves the entire community.
Taverns and Poor Man's Food
The heart of the festival are the taverns and inns — about fifteen each edition — set up with the utmost adherence to late 19th-century life, with no concessions to the contemporary. Here, you can seek out forgotten recipes and flavours: the torta sul panaro with sausages and wild herbs, prosciutto, fritters, and bruscatella. Each establishment displays its daily menu, recreating the popular table of the era.
Shows, Dances, and Cannon Fire
The programme interweaves theatre and dance, classical and folk music concerts, and animations that re-enact moments truly experienced by the community. There is no shortage of cannon fire from the Rocca, traditional games, and thematic exhibitions dedicated to 19th-century firearms, Garibaldini statues, and the inventions of the century. The main squares — from Piazza Matteotti to Piazza Garibaldi, up to the Market Square — become open-air stages.
A Festival for All of Umbertide
Organised by the Fratta dell'Ottocento Association together with the Accademia dei Riuniti and the municipal administration, the event attracts thousands of visitors to the centre every year. It is an opportunity to rediscover Umbertide's historical identity and its Risorgimento memory, blending philological rigour with convivial pleasure.
Fratta dell'Ottocento — edition 2026
Fratta dell'Ottocento 2026 returns to the historic centre of Umbertide with its usual four-day formula entirely dedicated to the Risorgimento century. The squares and streets of the centre host costumed taverns and inns, theatrical and dance performances, concerts, traditional games, and animations that recreate daily life in the late 19th century.
Programme Fratta dell'Ottocento 2026
The detailed programme for the 2026 edition will be announced on the official website fratta800.com in the weeks preceding the event. The usual structure, documented in recent editions, includes:
Thursday — Opening
- Afternoon — «Fratta Parade», inaugural costumed procession through the town streets
- Evening — Opening concert in Piazza Matteotti
- Late Evening — Ceremonies and 19th-century dance performances
Friday
- Afternoon — Readings and animations for children in Piazza del Mercato
- Evening — Classical and folk music concert
- Late Evening — Theatrical re-enactments at Palazzo Comunale
Saturday
- Traditional games and tournaments
- Evening — Costumed theatrical performances
- Late Evening — Grand 19th-century ball in Piazza Matteotti
Sunday — Closing
- Morning — Cultural events at the Rocca di Umbertide
- Evening — Grand finale with dancing and cannon fire
Throughout the festival, the costumed taverns and inns (about fifteen) remain open with period menus, and thematic exhibitions are held. Full official programme at fratta800.com.
Highlights Fratta dell'Ottocento 2026
Prices Fratta dell'Ottocento 2026
Practical information — Fratta dell'Ottocento
How to Get There
Umbertide can be reached by car from the E45 (Umbertide exit), and by train on the Ferrovia Centrale Umbra (FCU) line Perugia–Sansepolcro, Umbertide station. The events take place in the historic centre, which is pedestrianised during the festival.
Admission and Taverns
Access to the streets and shows is generally free; food and drinks in the taverns are paid for according to the displayed menus. For times and reservations, consult the official website fratta800.com or call the secretariat number.
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Where does it take place — Fratta dell'Ottocento
Centro storico di Umbertide