Calendimaggio 2025

Calendimaggio 2025 will most likely take place between Wednesday, May 7, and Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the beautiful town of Assisi.

The town of Assisi, nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, is not only renowned for its spiritual heritage as the birthplace of Saint Francis, but also for its rich cultural traditions.

Among these, the Calendimaggio stands out as a vibrant and colorful festival that brings the medieval history of the town to life.

WHAT ARE THE DATES FOR CALENDIMAGGIO 2025?

Since 2015, the festival is held every year on the first Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday after the 1st of May, to greet the arrival of spring.

In 2025, May 1st will fall on a Thursday, and Calendimaggio 2025 will most likely take place between May 7 and 10.

WHAT IS THE LOCATION FOR CALENDIMAGGIO 2025?

Calendimaggio 2025 will take place in Assisi, and the most important events of the festival will be held in the main square of the town, Piazza del Comune.

SHORT HISTORY OF CALENDIMAGGIO

Calendimaggio 2025

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

The name of the feast, derived from the Latin Kalendis Maiis, refers to the Calends of May, the days of the month of May associated with the renewal of life and nature.

In Roman times, May 1st was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of flowers, and was celebrated with flowers, music, and dances.

As Christianity spread across Europe, many of these ancient customs were absorbed into Christian celebrations.

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, and by its numerous palaces and churches.

At the same time, the city was divided in two parts – the Lower Part (Parte de Sotto), belonging to the Fiumi family, supporting the Guelphs, and the Upper Part (Parte de Sopra), belonging to the Nepis family, supporting the Ghibellines.

Calendimaggio evolved from these medieval rivalries. The festival became a way for the two factions to compete in a more peaceful and artistic manner, channeling their energies into music, theater, and pageantry rather than violence.

Thus, the festival serves both as a celebration of spring and a symbolic resolution of historical conflicts.

For short periods of time, in Assisi, one family overtook the other, but the tradition of Calendimaggio 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 paused, but was brought back to life after the war, in 1947.

Finally, in 1954, on the initiative of some local intellectuals, Calendimaggio received the shape in which is celebrated today.

CALENDIMAGGIO TODAY

For Calendimaggio, the town is divided in two parts – the Magnificent Lower Part (Magnifica Parte de Sotto) and the Noble Upper Part (Nobilissima Parte de Sopra).

The festival begins with the official proclamation of Calendimaggio, usually on Wednesday. The town herald, dressed in traditional medieval attire, reads out the proclamation from the central Piazza del Comune, inviting all citizens to participate in the festivities.

This announcement is followed by the blessing of the banners of the two factions at the Cathedral of San Rufino, signaling the start of the friendly competition.

The parts challenge each other for the conquest of the Palio, through parades in medieval costumes, reenactment of medieval life and musical performances.

One of the most spectacular aspects of Calendimaggio is Corteo Storico, a grand historical procession that takes place on Thursday.

Both Parte de Sopra and Parte de Sotto parade through the streets of Assisi in elaborate costumes, representing the nobility, knights, ladies, and common folk of medieval times.

The attention to detail of the costumes is remarkable, with each piece meticulously crafted to reflect the styles of the 14th and 15th centuries.

The procession is accompanied by the sounds of drums, trumpets, and traditional medieval instruments, creating an immersive experience that captivates all who witness it.

The streets of Assisi, adorned with banners and flowers, come alive with the colors and sounds of the past, as the two factions proudly display their heritage.

A central element of the competition between the two factions is the Canzoniere, a contest of songs and theater.

On Friday evening, each faction presents a series of performances that include medieval ballads, theatrical scenes, and poetic recitations.

These performances are carefully choreographed and rehearsed, with each faction striving to outdo the other in creativity, musicality, and historical authenticity.

In addition to the artistic performances, Calendimaggio also includes a series of medieval games and competitions, which take place on Saturday.

These events, known as the Games of Calendimaggio (Giochi di Calendimaggio), include archery contests, tug-of-war, and races, all of which were common forms of entertainment and competition in medieval times.

One of the most anticipated events is Giostra della Quintana, a traditional jousting tournament that requires knights to strike a target while riding at full gallop.

Although the jousting is symbolic and less dangerous than in the past, it still evokes the excitement and chivalry of medieval tournaments.

The jury, composed of internationally renowned experts in medieval culture and history, evaluate the performances and award points to each faction based on their interpretation and execution.

At the end of the games, the jury choose the winner of each edition.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR CALENDIMAGGIO 2025

On Wednesday, May 7, the first day of Calendimaggio 2025, the main events are the blessing of the banners, the ceremony of handing over the keys of the city, the restitution of the Palio and the reading of challenges.

On Thursday, May 8, various medieval games will take place, and the Madonna Primavera will be elected.

On Friday, May 9, the challenge between the tambourines of the two parts will take place, and various night parades.

On Saturday, May 10, the last day of Calendimaggio 2025, daytime parades will take place, followed by the singing challenge, and the assignment of the Palio in the evening.