Sponsalia - Historical Reenactment and Medieval Wedding Banquet

Sponsalia, the Middle Ages revived in Acquaviva Picena

Sponsalia is one of the most evocative historical reenactments in the Marche region and takes place every year at the beginning of August in the village of Acquaviva Picena, in the heart of the province of Ascoli Piceno. The event, organized by the Associazione Palio del Duca APS, reenacts a real event: the wedding celebrated in the Year of Our Lord 1234 between Forastéria, daughter of Rinaldo degli Acquaviva known as 'il Grosso', and Rainaldo dei Brunforte, Lord of Mogliano. For four days, the historic center transforms into an open-air 13th-century set, with handmade costumes, scenery, music, and period scents.

A tradition dating back to 1988

Founded in 1988, Sponsalia has grown to become a benchmark in the Italian medieval reenactment scene. The 2026 edition will be the XXXIX and continues to innovate while staying true to its original spirit: historical accuracy is complemented by new features such as street food areas near the shows and new collaborations with regional historical associations. The Municipality of Acquaviva Picena, with its famous Fortress, provides the natural backdrop for the entire event.

The Palio and the challenge between the Districts

The competitive heart of the festival is the Palio, which pits the two Districts of the village, Aquila and Civetta, against each other. After the historical parade and the blessing of the banner – the trophy for the winning district – the participants compete in the Sponsalia Historical Games, with a crescendo of drums, flag-wavers, and skill tests that animate the Piazza del Forte.

Unmissable moments

• The historical parade and the betrothal: the first evening stages the meeting and promise between the young couple.
• The medieval market and military encampment: artisans, ancient crafts, and camp life at the Giardini De André.
• The Ludi di Sponsalia: an afternoon dedicated to theater, street artists, falconry, and activities for children.
• The Medieval Wedding Banquet: the conclusion in the Fortress, lit by torches, with dishes recreated from 13th-century recipes and the symbolic burning of the Fortress.

The Wedding Banquet in the Fortress

The event culminates on Sunday evening inside the medieval Fortress, where the sumptuous Wedding Banquet is held. Amidst braziers and torches, while jesters, minstrels, dancers, and musicians entertain between courses, guests enjoy a historical menu ranging from 'cacciannanza' (a type of game pie) to 'formaggio di fossa' (pit-aged cheese), from pork 'padellaccia' to 'vino cotto' (cooked wine), and Forastéria's traditional biscuits. An immersive experience that requires mandatory booking.

Why it's worth the trip

Sponsalia is not just a costume party: it's a living story of a territory that cherishes its medieval roots. Visiting it means discovering Acquaviva Picena, one of the most beautiful villages in the Piceno area, and immersing yourself in a meticulously reconstructed Middle Ages within the walls of one of the best-preserved fortresses in the Marche region.