Calendimaggio 2023

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Calendimaggio 2023 will take place between May 3 and 6, 2023, in Assisi. Traditionally, the festival is held each year in the first Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday after the 1st of May, to greet the arrival of spring.

On this occasion, the town is divided in two parts – Magnifica Parte de Sotto (Magnificent Lower Part) and Nobilissima Parte de Sopra (Noble Upper Part). The parts challenge each other for the conquest of Palio, through parades in medieval costumes, reenactment of medieval life and musical performances.

A jury, composed of internationally renowned experts (a historian, a musicologist and an entertainment personality), choose the winner of each edition.

SHORT HISTORY

The origins of Calendimaggio are lost in time. Most likely, the festival tried to revive ancient pagan customs that celebrated the return of spring and the renewal of the cycle of life.

The ancient chronicles tell us that Assisi, at the beginning of the 14th century, reached its maximum splendor, a fact confirmed by the expansion of its walls, its numerous palaces and churches, the presence of the painters Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, the Lorenzetti brothers…

At the same time, the city was divided in two parts – Parte de Sotto (Lower Part), belonging to the Fiumi family, supporting the Guelphs, and Parte de Sopra (Upper Part), belonging to the Nepis family, supporting the Ghibellines. For short periods of time, one family overtook the other, but the custom of celebrating the spring was kept alive.

This custom lasted for centuries, until the festival was profoundly renewed in 1927, at the behest of the Mayor of Assisi, Arnaldo Fortini. During the Second World War, the festival was interrupted, but was brought back to life in 1947. Finally, in 1954, on the initiative of some local intellectuals, Calendimaggio got the shape in which is celebrated today.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday, May 3:

• Blessing of the banners and handing over the keys.
• Restitution of the Palio and reading of challenges.

Thursday, May 4:

• Medieval games and election of the Madonna Primavera.

Friday, May 5:

• Challenge between the tambourines of the two Parts.
• Night parades.

Saturday, May 6:

• Daytime parades.
• Singing Challenge.
• Assignment of the Palio.