Saint Anastasia Patronal Festival – Historical Pageant and Archers' Palio

A festival for the patron saint of Piombino

The Saint Anastasia Festival is the annual event where the city of Piombino, in the province of Livorno, celebrates its patron saint. For an entire weekend, the historic center of this Tuscan town transforms into a medieval stage: costumed processions, flag-wavers, drummers, and the highly anticipated archery challenge transport the city back to the atmosphere of past centuries, in a re-enactment that blends religious devotion, popular tradition, and the spirited rivalry between the city's districts.

The historical pageant and flag-wavers

The program kicks off on Saturday afternoon with the historical pageant: participants gather on Via Ferrer and parade in period costumes to Piazza Cappelletti, where the first flag-wavers' performance takes place. The procession, animated by ladies, knights, soldiers, and musicians, winds through the town center to the church of Sant'Antimo, where the solemn blessing of the banner dedicated to the Saint—the prize for the district that wins the competition—is held.

The Archers' Palio

The heart of the event is the Archers' Palio, the contest held in Piazza di Cittadella, in the oldest and most evocative part of Piombino. Archers from the city's various districts compete with their bows to win the blessed banner. The competition is preceded by another flag-waver performance and concludes with the award ceremony at the Rivellino, the ancient fortification overlooking the sea.

The medieval banquet

On Sunday, the festivities continue with a medieval banquet set in the intimate Cloister of Sant'Antimo: dishes inspired by period recipes, expertly adapted to contemporary tastes, are served amidst jesters, knights, and costumed duels performed by the Ombre di Montecoronato historical group. Participation in the banquet requires advance booking due to limited seating.

Tradition and identity in Val di Cornia

Organized by the Porta a Terra Association with the patronage and support of the Municipality of Piombino, the festival involves the various city districts in a climate of healthy competition and a strong sense of belonging. More than just a simple re-enactment, the Saint Anastasia Festival is an opportunity to rediscover the historical roots of Piombino and the Tyrrhenian Tuscany, in a corner of the Val di Cornia that unites sea, history, and popular traditions.