Palio di San Giovanni Battista

A historical reenactment that tells the story of 14th-century Fabriano

The Palio di San Giovanni Battista is the grand historical reenactment that every year, from mid-June until the 24th, brings the historic centre of Fabriano, in the province of Ancona, back to the golden age of the 14th century. It is one of the most cherished and widely participated events in central Italy: for almost two weeks, the streets, squares, and cloisters of this Marche town are filled with costumed figures, medieval taverns, artisan workshops, and tournaments. The festival celebrates Saint John the Baptist, who became the city's patron saint in 1378, when Guido Chiavelli conquered Fabriano on June 24th, ending a period of factional strife.

The four Gates compete

The heart of the reenactment are the four city Gates, the ancient districts into which Fabriano was divided: Porta del Borgo, Porta Cervara, Porta del Piano, and Porta Pisana. The four districts vie for the Palio in a series of traditional challenges and races, animating each day of the event with their colours and banners. The district rivalry, experienced with great passion by the inhabitants, is what makes the Palio a deeply communal event, not just a simple costume reconstruction.

The 2026 programme: paper in the Middle Ages

The XXXII edition, scheduled from 12 to 24 June 2026, is dedicated to the theme "Paper in Fabriano in the Middle Ages", celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Pia Università dei Cartai (Paper Makers' Guild): a tribute to the art that made Fabriano famous throughout Europe since the 13th century and earned it the title of UNESCO Creative City in 2013. Among the main events:

• Medieval taverns open every evening from June 12th to 23rd, from 7:00 PM, in the covered market and monastery cloisters;
• Artistic flower carpet displays (infiorate) created live with thousands of fresh and dried flower petals at the churches of San Nicolò, San Filippo, San Biagio, and San Benedetto;
• performances by stilt walkers, flag bearers, and musicians, archery challenge (June 18th), and reenactments of duels;
• the grand historical procession on June 21st, with over 500 costumed figures;
• the pontifical mass and the Hammer Challenge on June 24th, the patron saint's feast day, the culmination of the competition between the Gates in Piazza del Comune.

Between history, faith, and community

Alongside the competitions, the Palio offers historical conferences, guided tours of local villas and castles, exhibitions, workshops, and the Palio dei Monelli (Children's Palio) dedicated to the youngest. The blessing of the tools and the awarding of the flower carpet displays intertwine the religious and civil dimensions, in a festival that unites the entire community of Fabriano. For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover a historic town in the Marche region, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of a medieval city brought back to life.