La Fano dei Cesari
The grand historical reenactment of ancient Fanum Fortunae with the chariot race at the Pincio
About Fano dei Cesari
Fano returns to Fanum Fortunae
La Fano dei Cesari is the grand historical reenactment that every summer brings the city of Fano, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino (Marche), back to the era of ancient Rome. For a few days, the historic center transforms into Fanum Fortunae, the Roman colony that stood here on the Adriatic coast, and is populated by legionaries, gladiators, matrons, artisans, and priests. It is one of the most evocative Roman-themed events in the region, capable of attracting thousands of visitors and mobilizing the entire city community.
The four factions
The soul of the festival is the four factions into which the city is ideally divided, each with its own color and symbol: Boar, Dolphin, Wolf, and Fox. They are made up of citizens, families, volunteers, and enthusiasts from different neighborhoods of Fano, who prepare costumes, floats, and choreography throughout the year. The rivalry between the factions is the common thread of the event and culminates in the final race.
The chariot race at the Pincio
The most anticipated moment is the chariot race held in the historic circuit of the Pincio Arena: a unique competition of its kind in Italy, where the four factions compete with horse-drawn chariots in front of a huge crowd. Parades, historical processions with participants in faithfully reproduced costumes, the Pompa Magna, and themed dinners in the city squares revolve around the race.
A journey into ancient Rome
Throughout the days of the reenactment, the public can immerse themselves in a true living museum: military encampments with demonstrations by historical groups (Colonia Iulia Fanestris, Simmachia Ellenon, legions, and gladiator groups from all over Italy), gladiator fights, sacred rites, Roman banquets, ancient dances, artisan markets, and workshops for children. The main venues are the historic center, the Cloister of San Michele, Piazza Amiani, and the Pincio Arena.
Fano, city of Vitruvius
The reenactment is part of the city's rich summer calendar and is naturally linked to Fano's historical vocation, which is also at the center of attention today for archaeological discoveries related to the Roman architect Vitruvius. Visiting La Fano dei Cesari means discovering the deepest identity of this Adriatic city, between the sea, history, and popular tradition.
Fano dei Cesari — edition 2026
The XXII edition of La Fano dei Cesari will be held in Fano (Pesaro and Urbino) from July 4 to 12, 2026, confirming the format that spreads the event over several days and culminates in the grand finale with the chariot race.
As tradition dictates, the reenactment will feature historical parades with thousands of costumed participants, military encampments, demonstrations by historical groups, gladiator fights, sacred rites, Roman-themed dinners, and workshops for families, leading up to the final challenge between the four factions in the Pincio Arena.
The detailed schedule for each day, with times and locations, will be published by the organizers close to the event on the official website and social media channels of the festival.
Programme Fano dei Cesari 2026
The detailed day-by-day program for the XXII edition will be published by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event. Based on the established structure of the festival, the reenactment (from July 4 to 12, 2026) includes:
- Roman military encampments open to the public in the historic center, with demonstrations by historical groups (Colonia Iulia Fanestris, Simmachia Ellenon, legions, and gladiator groups).
- Gladiator fights, sacred rites, ancient dances, and themed theatrical performances.
- Artisan markets and workshops for children.
- Roman dinners in the city squares and the Pompa Magna.
- Chariot race in the Pincio Arena, the final competition between the Boar, Dolphin, Wolf, and Fox factions.
The main venues are the historic center, the Cloister of San Michele, Piazza Amiani, and the Pincio Arena. For the definitive program, please refer to the official website lafanodeicesari.it.
Highlights Fano dei Cesari 2026
- The chariot race in the Pincio Arena, a unique competition in Italy between the four factions.
- The grand historical parades with thousands of participants in faithfully reproduced Roman costumes.
- The gladiator fights and military encampments in the historic center.
Prices Fano dei Cesari 2026
Practical information — Fano dei Cesari
How to get there
By train: Fano station is on the Adriatic line Bologna-Lecce, a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By car: take the Fano exit from the A14 motorway, then you can easily reach the center. The nearest airport is Ancona-Falconara, about 50 km away.
Tickets
Some events (particularly the chariot race at the Pincio Arena and themed dinners) are ticketed, with tickets available on the LiveTicket platform; many initiatives in the historic center are free admission. It is advisable to check the updated details on the official website.
Information
Pro Loco Fano — tel. +39 389 0069855. Official website: lafanodeicesari.it.
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Where does it take place — Fano dei Cesari
Centro storico di Fano e Arena del Pincio