THE CALENDIMAGGIO

The Festival of Calendimaggio takes place every year in May, on the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday after May 1st. It is held in the Piazza del Comune, heart of the social, political and cultural life of Assisi. The festival, which is of pagan origins, is a re-enactment of medieval and Renaissance life in the form of a challenge between the upper part of the town, Nobilissima Parte de Sopra (Sestieri di Porta Moiano, S. Rufino e Porta Perlici) and the lower part of the town, Magnifica Parte de Sotto (Sestieri di Porta S. Giacomo, Porta S. Francesco e Porta S. Pietro). The festival celebrates the return of Spring and the circle of life. Since 1954 it has been held with contemporary events. People take part actively in the challenge. During these three days, the city goes back to the Middle Ages, with its Madonne and Messeri. The Festival includes processions, theatrical presentations, flag-wavers and dances of love and life.

The winning side is chosen by a jury composed of a historian, a music expert and a famous showman or woman, all of whom are known worldwide.

The festival has been recently included in the list of candidates for Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.