Triumph of the Carnival

A Weekend in the Renaissance of Fossombrone

The Triumph of the Carnival is the great Renaissance historical re-enactment of Fossombrone, a town in the Metauro valley in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the Marche region. For an entire weekend, usually the second in May, the historic center transforms into an open-air stage: Corso Garibaldi and the village streets fill with stalls of the historical market, inns, encampments, musicians, jesters, and ladies and knights in period dress.

Origins: The 1559 of Cardinal Della Rovere

The event has its roots in a documented historical fact. The inspiration comes from the diaries of the court jester Monaldo Atanagio Atanagi, in the service of Cardinal Giulio Feltrio Della Rovere, brother of the Duke of Urbino Guidobaldo II. The Cardinal, who had one of his residences in Fossombrone, organized a "rare and beautiful ring race" in 1559, a spectacular equestrian competition where noble knights had to hit increasingly smaller targets at a gallop. From that memory, the modern re-enactment was born, recreating its splendor, games, and atmosphere.

The Districts and the Cardinal's Palio

The heart of the festival is the challenge between the ten districts of Fossombrone, representing the city's neighborhoods, hamlets, villages, and castles. Throughout the weekend, the districts compete in Renaissance games to win the Cardinal's Palio. The competition also involves the younger generation, with the characteristic Children's Palio and the Youth Palio. The highlight is the ring race on Sunday afternoon, which determines the winning district and awards the palio.

Shows, Market, and Taverns

In addition to the competitive aspect, the Triumph of the Carnival offers a rich program of shows: historical parades, flag-wavers with drums and clarions, falconry and birds of prey, circus theater, jugglers, and captivating evening fire dances. Along the streets, the Renaissance market showcases ancient crafts, while the district taverns offer menus inspired by 16th-century recipes, meticulously reconstructed. It's an opportunity to discover Fossombrone, one of the most charming villages in the Marche, in a festive and timeless guise.

The event is organized by the Pro Loco Forum Sempronii with the Municipality of Fossombrone and represents one of the most cherished appointments in the regional re-enactment calendar.