Rievocazione Storica Caccia al Cinghiale

One of the oldest reenactments in the Marche region

The Rievocazione Storica Caccia al Cinghiale (Historical Reenactment of the Boar Hunt) is the major summer event in the municipality of Mondavio, a fortified village in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the heart of the Marche region. Founded in 1959, it is one of the longest-running and most beloved costume events in the area: every year, during Ferragosto, it brings the historic centre and the famous Rocca Roveresca back to the atmosphere of the 15th-century Renaissance court.

What is being reenacted

The festival celebrates the arrival of Duke Giovanni della Rovere in Mondavio in 1474. He was the nephew of Pope Sixtus IV and became Lord of Senigallia and the Vicariate of Mondavio. Together with Duchess Giovanna da Montefeltro, the Duke officially took possession of the territory: the reenactment meticulously reconstructs court life, civil and military ceremonies, solemn oaths, and the splendours of the era, with historical costumes, armed guards, musicians, and ladies.

The programme

The programme unfolds along the narrow streets of the village and is divided into several moments that have become traditional:

• Il Bivacco (The Camp): the dinner for the people and soldiers, set up in the evocative moat of the Rocca, which kicks off the festival days.
• Il Banchetto Rinascimentale (The Renaissance Banquet): in the Franciscan cloister, the Duke and Duchess welcome their guests for a sumptuous banquet in costume, with period dishes and entertainment by minstrels and jesters.
• Il Palio delle contrade (The District Palio): the districts of the village compete in archery and crossbow contests.
• Ancient crafts and Renaissance arts: along the streets of the centre, educational workshops, artisans at work, and taverns with typical cuisine.
• Travelling shows: jugglers, acrobats, musicians, dancers, and falconers liven up the village.
• The historical procession of the Duke and Duchess and demonstrations by the Arcieri (Archers), Balestrieri Storici (Historical Crossbowmen), and Corte Roveresca (Roveresca Court) groups.
• The Suoni e Luci (Sound and Light) show: the grand evening theatrical performance, accompanied by pyrotechnic effects, which culminates the event.

The village of Mondavio

What makes the reenactment unique is its setting: Mondavio is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, and its Rocca Roveresca, designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, is one of the masterpieces of Renaissance military architecture, perfectly preserved. The walls, walkways, and keep become the natural backdrop for three days of festivities that combine history, Marche gastronomy, and entertainment.

Organisation

The event is promoted and organised by the Associazione Pro Loco IAT Mondavio, which is responsible for the staging, costumes, and entire programme each year.