Rievocazione Storica della Macia

When history becomes a measure

In Spilimbergo, an elegant city of art in the province of Pordenone overlooking the banks of the Tagliamento river, there is a stone that tells of centuries of trade: the "macia", an ancient unit of measurement dating back to 1438 and about 68.4 centimetres long, still engraved today on a pillar of the Palazzo della Loggia in Piazza Duomo. It was used to measure fabrics in the city markets. The Rievocazione Storica della Macia, the grand festival that every year, around Ferragosto, takes the village back to its glorious early 16th century, takes its name from this symbol.

Four days in the Friulian Renaissance

For four days, the historic centre of Spilimbergo transforms into a living 16th-century city. Knights, nobles, commoners, and confraternities move through the streets and squares, while historical encampments, medieval markets, artisan workshops, games, and challenges come to life. Taverns serve period dishes, flag-throwers and music groups liven up the corners of the village, and the grand historical procession in costume parades through the crowds, reconstructing the daily life of the city when it was one of the most important centres in Friuli.

A community festival

Organised by Pro Spilimbergo with the support of the Municipality of Spilimbergo, the Macia is much more than a re-enactment: it is a choral project involving dozens of re-enactors, associations, and volunteers from the area. Ferragosto in Spilimbergo means immersing yourself in a timeless atmosphere, strolling through the Duomo, the Castle, and the illuminated Old Town in the evening, and ending the nights with music, shows, and scenic moments. For those visiting western Friuli in the summer, it is an unmissable event, capable of combining history, gastronomy, and popular celebration.