Special Events

Ascoli Piceno retains many beautiful traditions, lingering memories carried down through the ages to remind us that this place has enjoyed an illustrious past.

La Quintana, Ascoli's medieval jousting match, rivals the excitement of Siena's Palio but without the crushing crowds. A thousand participants all in resplendent costume parading through the travertine-paved streets is something to be seen! The skill and stamina of the cavalieri as they maneuver their horses on a tight track to compete for the annual Palio is exciting and adrenaline-pumping. Teams of musicians and flag-throwers performing in the middle of the piazza add color, vigor, and showmanship straight out of the Middle Ages to the historic pageant.

Come and witness history being carried on for the fifth century running. La Quintana takes place in July and August.

The thrilling Palio event known as La Quintana includes:

Courtly parade of 1200 lavishly-costume citizens representing each of the sestiere
Blessing of the Knights and Horses by the Bishop
Exciting Display of Skill and Color in the Flag-Throwers Competitions
A high-energy and highly competitive Jousting Match
Presentation of the Palio to the winner

…and more pomp and pageantry.

Tickets for the Joust are not available online, they can only be purchased in person directly from the city's ticket office and will only go on sale a couple weeks before the events.

Carnevale is a bright event in the winter calendar. The pre-Lenten party turns the city's piazzas and streets into a grand stage for the theatrics and antics of the citizens, who act out satirical sketches and parade in costume. Ascoli's Carnevale celebration is a dose of good family fun while spoofing the political and civic events of the past year in juried skits.

Summer brings the charming rural festivals known as sagras. Deriving from the term sacra festa, they are frequently held in conjunction with a religious festival or saint's feast day and feature some type of religious observation or procession, but the main event for every sagra is the particular food item celebrated. Regional specialties are prepared by the townspeople and served with a lot of camaraderie and fun. Concerts and dancing round out the homespun activities.

Let Panorama Italy design a tour for you around one of these historic and cultural events that make life here special. We can obtain accommodations and event tickets, and give you important background on the festivities to help you enjoy them to the fullest.