Regina Pacis Neighborhood Festival

A Neighborhood Festival Almost Forty Years in the Making

The Regina Pacis Neighborhood Festival is one of the most cherished events of the summer in Matelica, located in the heart of the inland area of the Province of Macerata, in the Marche region. Organized by the association Quartiere Regina Pacis APS, the event has animated the neighborhood that gives the festival its name for decades, and in 2026, it reaches its 39th edition: a milestone that places it among the longest-running and most deeply rooted neighborhood festivals in the city.

This is not a large festival with national headliners, but something more precious and authentic: a community celebration, built each year by the voluntary work of the neighborhood's residents, where people gather around tables, dance in the square, and renew a bond of neighborliness that endures over time.

Where and When

The festival takes place at the Piazzale Caduti di El Alamein, the space next to the municipal stadium (via Guido Rossa area), easily accessible and with ample parking. In 2026, the evenings are scheduled from Wednesday, August 5th to Sunday, August 9th, in the peak of Matelica's summer, when the Pro Matelica calendar fills with food festivals, concerts, and popular events.

What to Expect

The festival's formula is well-tested and revolves around a few ingredients that always work:

• Marche Cuisine: The food stands offer local specialties, from traditional peasant dishes to more casual sandwiches and fritters, accompanied by Verdicchio di Matelica, the symbolic wine of this valley.
• Dance Floor: Every evening, the large dance floor hosts liscio orchestras and dance groups, with dancing nights that continue until late, featuring waltzes, mazurkas, and group dances.
• Entertainment for Children: Inflatables, face painting, and games make the festival suitable for the whole family.
• Neighborhood Spirit: The festival is managed entirely by residents, and the proceeds support the neighborhood's initiatives.

A Piece of Matelica's Summer

The Regina Pacis Neighborhood Festival is part of Matelica's rich tradition of neighborhood festivals, which during the summer see the city's various neighborhoods—including San Rocco and Manozzini—come alive in turn with their own celebrations. For visitors to the inland Marche region in August, participating in one of these festivals is the most genuine way to connect with the daily life of a Marche community, far from tourist circuits and immersed in an atmosphere of popular festivity.