Palio of Saint John the Baptist

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

The Palio of Saint John the Baptist is the grand historical re-enactment that each year, from mid-June until the 24th, transports the historic center of Fabriano, in the province of Ancona, back to the golden age of the 14th century. It is one of the most heartfelt and widely attended events in central Italy: for almost two weeks, the streets, squares, and cloisters of this Marche town are filled with costumed figures, medieval taverns, workshops of ancient crafts, 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 re-enactment 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 colors 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.

2026 Program: Paper in the Middle Ages

The XXXII edition, scheduled from June 12 to 24, 2026, is dedicated to the theme "Paper in Fabriano in the Middle Ages," celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Pia Università dei Cartai (Guild of Paper Makers). This is a tribute to the craft 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 12 to 23, starting at 7:00 PM, in the covered market and monastery cloisters;
• Artistic flower carpets 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 throwers, and musicians, archery contests (June 18), and duel re-enactments;
• the grand historical procession on June 21, with over 500 costumed figures;
• the pontifical mass and the spectacular Hammer Challenge on June 24, the patron saint's 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 younger participants. The blessing of the tools and the awarding of prizes for the flower carpets 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.