Festa del Contado: Sassocorvaro returns to the Middle Ages

A village in celebration

Put an ancient village among the rolling hills of the Marche region, a mighty turtle-shaped fortress, four contrade and three days of summer. These are the ingredients of the great Festa del Contado that has involved the entire population of Sassocorvaro Auditore since the early 2000s and draws people from all over the Marche region and beyond.

Why it's special: a plunge into the Middle Ages

August 13-14-15: 3 full days to dive into the Middle Ages in joy. The 4 Contrade compete to win the "Palio de lo corvo" with contests of dexterity on horseback; the streets are filled with stalls with costumed artisans reenacting ancient crafts and showing us how to make ropes, candles, embroidery, liquor... There is a sumptuous procession with nobles, drummers and flag-wavers. And there is no shortage of jugglers, musicians, magicians and fakirs, puppets and puppeteers...

Not to be missed: the fireworks.

In the "Third Die," the highlight of the Festa del Contado is undoubtedly the burning of the Castle, with a grandiose fireworks display reminiscent (perhaps) of the destruction of the town on August 26, 1446.