Calendimaggio: When Assisi Steps Back into the Middle Ages

There is a moment when Assisi stops being the city of Saint Francis and becomes something else entirely. It happens every year on the first Thursday after 1 May, when the bells call everyone to the “Cerimonia delle Corti” and for three days history rewinds.

The two Parti

On one side the Parte de Sopra, on the other the Parte de Sotto. The border runs along Piazza del Comune, and for the three days of the Calendimaggio it is a serious line. Each Parte has its own colours, crossbowmen, ladies-in-waiting, choirs and its own Madonna Primavera — the most beautiful, chosen from among the girls of the neighbourhood. They compete in everything: processions, combat, crossbow, but above all in song. Medieval choirs performed live, in an ancient dialect, to music written specially for the occasion.

The secret

The Calendimaggio was born as a pagan celebration of rebirth: springtime love, the playful rivalry between young lovers. Even today, beneath the costumes and the flags, that’s exactly what it is — a festival of love dressed up as a medieval tournament.

What to see if you come

The evening processions, when the city is lit only by torches. The final contest on Saturday night, when the Magister Festae proclaims the winning Parte. And the choirs — especially the choirs, even if you don’t understand a word: they stay with you for days.

The full programme, updated dates and tickets for the stands are on the official website: calendimaggiodiassisi.com.

Practical info
Calendimaggio 2026: from 7 to 9 May.
The best spots for the processions are taken at least an hour in advance. Our apartments in Assisi (Le Volte, Luce, Respiro, Riflesso) are all just a few minutes on foot from Piazza del Comune — perfect for heading back whenever you like, without needing to drive.