Every year Ascoli Piceno transforms back into the important and bustling Middle Ages city it once was. La Quintana, Ascoli’s high-energy medieval jousting match, rivals the excitement of Siena’s Palio but without the crushing crowds. The beautiful centro storico fills with colorful banners and resplendent costumes as the city pays homage to its storied past. Carried on since the early 1300s, the thrilling, historical events take place over a month-long period, starting with the flag-throwers competition. Read more
events
Sights and sounds that bring Italy to life
Roll Out The Barrel!
While the famous Palio race of Siena pits neighborhoods against each other on horses, the Palio delle Botti in Corropoli (Abruzzo) gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “roll out the barrel”. Read more
Il Cavallo di Fuoco – The Horse of Fire
It all starts innocuously, solemnly. A pious procession emerges from the church and parades through the streets, following after the town’s patron saint, the Madonna of San Giovanni, who is perched on the shoulders of four strong and worthy men. They stop periodically to recite a prayer then continue along their somber way, returning to the church. A Mass ensues then the congregants file out while the bells toll loud and long. Read more