il trionfo del carnevale in Fossombrone
Once a year during the second weekend in May, the town of Fossombrone relives the Renaissance with their annual Trionfo del Carnevale three-day event. The city centre of the Roman town transforms and animates the three streets of the historic centre, decorated for the occasion with the coats of arms of the districts, Renaissance markets, the stalls of the era's crafts, archers, music, fire shows, and flights of birds of prey with festivities commencing on the Friday evening straight through until Sunday. Before we dive into this elaborate historical re-enactment, here’s a brief history and description of this beautiful and culturally rich town:
Sitting on a hill slope, in the middle of the Metauro Valley, Fossombrone is a medieval town dominated by a citadel and the ruins of the Malatesta Fortress. In 1444, Galeazzo Malatesta, Lord of Pesaro, sold the town to Count Federico da Montefeltro. Under his rule, Fossombrone enjoyed a period of prosperity due to the flourishing production of wool, paper, silk and the renovation of buildings.
Aerial view of Fossombrone. Photo by moi…
Some of the streets and districts in the historic centre were born around the 15th and 16th centuries, during the period in which the town held the country residence of the Della Rovere family. This particular piece of history is important as it traces the origin of the Trionfo del Carnevale—which is now a vibrant re-enactment of that one-time Carnevale hosted by the Cardinal with more than 1,000 locals participating, dressed in authentic period costumes.
Legend has it that in February 1559, Cardinal of Urbino Giulio Della Rovere (1533-78) decided to spend the carnival period in his beloved town of Fossombrone. Both nobles and townspeople recognized the magnificence and generosity of their Cardinal. This was one of the most significant moments experienced in Fossombrone during the Renaissance period.
Since 1990, when the diary of Atanasio di Monaldo Atanagi, (the Duke’s jester) was discovered describing the event, Fossombone decided to recreate the Historical Carnival Triumph every year.
The festival transforms the town into a lively spectacle complete with colourful costumes from the era of knights, nobles and jesters. It’s no small feat and takes a literal village to organize. Longtime volunteer Lara Scaglioni says, “We start planning the three-day event in February, four months before it happens, ensuring all recreations are authentic.” From the Renaissance costumes, music and stalls of crafts from the period, to fire shows, jesters, archers, Renaissance markets, flag-wavers and jugglers, it is the ultimate immersive experience showcasing Fossombrone’s rich history and festive spirit.
“Each of the 11 districts (contrade) has its own seamstress who makes the costumes for anyone who needs one,” says Scaglioni. During the weekend, each district also boasts a tavern with menus strictly offering the cuisine of the time. When night falls, the only source of light throughout the historic centre is from fire torches. “It is such a wonderful and magical time to be in Fossombrone,” says Scaglioni, which explains the 10,000 plus visitors that attend every year.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN…
“One of my favourite parts of the event is during the horse race on Saturday; it is so silent and very emotional,” recounts Scaglioni. Each district and castle, represented by their own horsemen, compete for the victory of the Palio del Cardinale before enthusiastic spectators at Campaccio.
Parades, performers, dancers, the classifying games—they all take place amidst this evocative atmosphere recreated to celebrate the man who originally brought this special festive moment to Fossombrone during the flourishing Renaissance.
Evviva il Cardinale. Evviva Le Marche!
2023 Winners of the Carnevale Storico, Contrada San Rocco
ALL PHOTOS OF THE CARNEVALE STORICO BY CRISTINA PERGOLINI