Palio dei Castelli di San Severino Marche

A dive into San Severino Marche's 15th Century

The Palio dei Castelli is the grand historical reenactment of San Severino Marche, in the heart of the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. Every year, in the first days of June, the town brings the 15th century back to life, the era when the Signoria degli Smeducci dominated the area. For about ten days, the city transforms: ladies and knights, soldiers, commoners, and artisans parade through the streets of the historic center, while the castle taverns are filled with the aromas of traditional dishes and Piazza del Popolo — one of Italy's most evocative elliptical squares — becomes the pulsating heart of the festival.

The Patron Saint's Feast

The event is closely linked to the feast of Saint Severinus of Rome, the city's patron saint, which is celebrated on June 8th. The most solemn moment is the offering of candles to the saint at the end of the historical parade, which recalls the ancient custom of the Smeducci lords of donating wax sculptures depicting their castles to the sanctuary custodians. The parade, with over a thousand costumed participants, crosses the city to the sound of clarions and drums, accompanied by flag-wavers.

Medieval Competitions

The competitive heart of the Palio lies in the challenges between the castles and districts of the San Severino Marche territory. The signature competition is the Corsa delle Torri (Tower Race), established in 1987 and hosted in Piazza del Popolo since 1990: teams of eight athletes run carrying heavy tower-shaped structures representing their respective castles. Alongside it, the Tiro alla Fune (Tug of War) and other skill tests are held, with preliminaries, semifinals, and the eagerly awaited finals that award the palio.

Castles and Districts in Competition

The districts and hamlets of the territory compete for victory, including Colleluce and Serralta, Villa di Cesolo, the Rione Settempeda, the Rione di Contro, the Contrada Taccoli, and the Contrada Oltre le Mura. Each fields its own colors, participants, and athletes, in a sporting and identity-based rivalry that involves entire families and generations.

Not Just Competitions

The program also includes events for children, such as Bambini nel Medioevo (Children in the Middle Ages) in Piazza del Popolo, children's games, and parades, as well as the traditional Fiera del Patrono (Patron's Fair), which takes place on the first Sunday of June with about a hundred vendors along the streets of the center. The Palio headquarters, in Piazzetta Largo Croce Verde, handles ticket pre-sales and serves as a reference point for visitors and enthusiasts.

A Living Tradition Since 1972

Organized by the Associazione Palio dei Castelli with the support of the Municipality of San Severino Marche, the Palio in its current form dates back to 1972, with the historical reenactment structured from the 1980s onwards. Today, it is one of the most beloved medieval festivals in central Marche: an opportunity to discover a town rich in history and art, and to experience the authentic atmosphere of San Severino Marche tradition.