Calendimaggio
Assisi, beginning of May
A celebration of medieval costumes and traditions. The two medieval wards of Assisi (upper and lower Assisi) compete for supremacy in challenges of theatre, singing, dances, flag throwing, crossbow competitions and processions.

Festa dei Ceri
(Famous Religious Festival in Gubbio) a Gubbio, il 15 May (celebrations the week before and after)
The famous race to the top of Monte Ignio with 3 gigantic (400kg)wooden effigies of the patron saints of Gubbio. The ‘palio’ of Gubbio. One of the most popular religious events in Italy- a must see!

Palio della Balestra
Gubbio Last Sunday in May (Medieval Archery Competition & Festival)
A medieval crossbow contest between Gubbio and San Sepolcro – flag waving, medieval dress and pageantry.


Festa degli Statuti Medievali
(Festival of Medieval Characters) 2nd week of May, Fosstato Di Vico. This festival portrays medieval life in Fosstao Di Vico. There is a large bonfire and many celebrations of aspects of medieval life including food and trades.


Gubbio Music Festival
throughout July, in Gubbio
A series on musical concerts celebrating peace and friendship among people.


Roman Theatre season
(mid July to August), Gubbio


Festa d’Autunno
(Medieval Festival) Valfabbrica Last week of August, 1st week of September. Knights, maidens, drumming competitions, costume parades, jousting and of course eating and drinking!


Giochi de le Porte
(Game of Gates) Gualdo Tadino, 3rd week of September
Donkey races, archery and medieval pageantry.


Celebrations for St Francis of Assisi
(4 October), Assisi


National Truffle Show and Market Gubbio
Last weekend of October through the 1st of November Stands are set up in the historic centre of this ancient town and the famous truffle is presented in every possible fashion. Also cheeses, marmalades, honey and local liquors.


Christmas in Gubbio
The world’s largest Christmas Tree, and nativity scenes in the old town, Gubbio, December


Christmas in Assisi
A life-size nativity and many special religious festivals and celebrations, Assisi, December

LOCAL SAGRAS

Sagra del Prosciutto Casareccio
(festival of local cured ham) Pianello (Pg) End of May, Beginning of June

Sagra della Polenta e Salsicce
(Polenta and sausage festival) Carbonesca Last week of July, beginning of August (walking distance from the farm)

Sagra del Pesce dal Mare
(Seafood Festival), Valfabbrica, Last 2 weeks of July

Sagra del Fungo
(Mushroom Festival) Pianello. 2nd week of August

Sagra Dello Spaghetto
(Spaghetti Festival) Casa Castalda 2nd & 3rd week of August

Festa Paesana
Gualdo Tadino (Pg) Last week in August


WHAT IS A SAGRA?
The term sagra is derived from ‘sacra festa,’ and at one time, the village sagra was centred around the feast day of the local patron saint. About thirty years ago, most of the sagre evolved into secular events. Today the focal point of most sagre is a culinary specialty such as: Sagra degli Asparagi (asparagus), Sagra dei Porcini (mushrooms), Sagra del Castagno (chestnuts), Sagra della Ciliegia (cherries), Sagra della Pesca (peaches), Sagra dell'Oca Arrosto (roasted goose), Sagra dell'Anguilla (eel), Sagra della Torta (Umbrian flat bread), Sagra della Porchetta (roasted suckling pig), Sagra del Cinghiale (wild boar).