Palio dei Castelli of San Severino Marche

A Dive into the 15th Century of San Severino Marche

The Palio dei Castelli is the grand historical re-enactment 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 village brings the 15th century back to life, the era when the Smeducci Signoria dominated the territory of San Severino. For about ten days, the city transforms: ladies and knights, guards, commoners, and artisans parade through the streets of the historic centre, while the taverns of the castles are filled with the aromas of traditional dishes, and Piazza del Popolo — one of the most striking elliptical squares in Italy — becomes the pulsating heart of the festival.

The Patron Saint's Feast

The event is closely linked to the feast of Saint Severinus the Bishop, 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 pageant, which recalls the ancient custom of the Smeducci lords of donating wax sculptures depicting their castles to the sanctuary keepers. The pageant, 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 territory. The signature event is the Tower Race, established in 1987 and hosted in Piazza del Popolo since 1990: teams of eight athletes race carrying heavy tower-shaped structures representing their respective castles. Alongside it, the Tug of War and other skill-based contests take place, with preliminaries, semi-finals, 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 Settempeda District, the Contro District, the Taccoli District, and the Oltre le Mura District. Each fields its own colours, participants, and athletes, in a sporting and identity-based rivalry that involves entire families and generations.

Not Just Competitions

The programme also includes events for children, such as Children in the Middle Ages in Piazza del Popolo, children's games, and parades, as well as the traditional Patron's Fair, held on the first Sunday of June with about a hundred vendors along the streets of the centre. 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

Organised by the Palio dei Castelli Association with the support of the Municipality of San Severino Marche, the Palio in its current form dates back to 1972, with the historical re-enactment 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 the San Severino tradition.