Marche Irish Festival

A Piceno Ireland between music and fires

The Marche Irish Festival is the only festival dedicated to Irish and Celtic culture in the Marche region, and it takes place in the heart of Grottazzolina, a small municipality in the Province of Fermo overlooking the Tenna valley. For three consecutive nights, Piazza Umberto I and the alleys of the historic center transform into a northern land, populated by folk musicians, archers, smoky taverns, and ritual processions. The organization is handled by the Historical Re-enactment Body 'I Giorni di Azzolino', the same association that stages the famous medieval re-enactment linked to Azzo VII d'Este, from whom the town derives its name.

The Nordic Trilogy

The common thread of the festival is the Nordic Trilogy, a three-stage journey through the souls of the northern lands: the Night of Ireland, the Great Celtic Night, and the Great Viking Night. Each evening has its own identity, with Celtic and pagan folk music concerts, storytelling and combat shows, lighting of sacred propitiatory fires, and costume processions. Visitors stroll through the Medieval Market, the Celtic Market in Via Verdi, and the archer encampments, where they can try traditional archery.

Taverns, beers, and Celtic atmosphere

The convivial heart of the event are the taverns, especially the famous Black Dragon Tavern in Piazza Alta del Castello, where typical dishes, beers, and good whiskey are tasted in the true spirit of northern festivals. Between one pint and another, there are fire shows, epic storytelling like the myth of the Celtic sword, and the Norse procession with the lighting of bonfires. The setting is the intimate and evocative atmosphere of a village in the Fermano area, attracting visitors from all over the Marche and beyond.

A young but distinctive festival

Born in 2025 as a thematic offshoot of the activities of the 'I Giorni di Azzolino' association, the Marche Irish Festival has won a loyal audience since its first edition, thanks to its formula that combines re-enactment rigor and a festive atmosphere. Its late July timing makes it one of the most characteristic summer events in the Province of Fermo, capable of bringing Celtic music and Nordic imagery into an authentic Marche context.