CROSSBOWMAN CHIEF APPOINTMENT – ‘PALIO’ OF THE FOUR DOORS AWARD – On the fourth Sunday of January
As it turns out from a historical document of 1457, preserved in the municipal archive, the crossbowmen of our city used to shoot with the “crossbow only with the hands and from an upright position”, different from the normal crossbow supported for shooting on a special base. There are four tournaments that take place during the year, as many as the city gates: Porta San Florido, Porta Santa Maria, Porta Sant’Egidio and Porta San Giacomo. The initiative, preceded by a historical procession that from Piazza G. Matteotti reaches the church of one of the four gates, the winner of the tournaments of the previous year. Here the Holy Mass is celebrated, then the notables of the Historical Crossbowmen Company, after proceeding to the ceremony for the recruitment of new followers and delivered the Palio delle Quattro Porte to the winning district based on the score obtained in four official tournaments played. The best shooter ever is appointed “Capo Balestriere”.
REENACTMENT OF THE ‘PASQUELLA’ – Christmas period’s ancient song – Saturday before Epiphany – Old Town, 3pm.
A group of singers of Mattonata quarter, to the sound of their accordions, cross the center offering old verses on the reason for the advent of Jesus and the coming of the Three Kings. All this goes back to an old custom of Umbrian countryside when it was traditional to go from house to house singing ‘stornelli’ and asking for food with which a large banquet was then organized. The offers received from traders and citizens are donated.
HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENT OF WHEAT BEATING – Weekend of the third week of July, Piosina locality.
During the feast, which proposes the beating of wheat in the ways and customs practiced in the last century from the 1920s to the 1960s, traditional dishes linked to popular cuisine, based on duck and goose meat – which were bred in farms specifically for this occasion – are served. A hard work, was also a rural feast. The typical menu consists of goose liver croutons, pasta with goose sauce, roast goose and baked duck with a side dish of salad and tomatoes.
SAN BARTHOLOMEW FAIR BINGO – last Sunday – September, Piazza G. Matteotti, 9 pm.
The traditional bingo, which was about to disappear – it can be found in documents of 1850 – is re-proposed by the Amici del Cuore Association. Characters in nineteenth-century clothes enliven this event. The jackpot in 2016 was € 2,000.
PALIO DELL’ OCA – First Sunday – October, Mattonata Quarter, Old Town – 3 pm.
The challenge of Goose is a popular version of ancient knightly tournaments: The goose is a cheap version of the prize up for grabs. Not the rich bridesmaid of a castle, only a fat feathered one. The palio, preceded by a historical procession, is a contest that consists in inserting a long pole, standing on a cart, in the hole of the goose mast filled with water and placed at a height of 2 meters from the ground. Each district participates with a team of three competitors. Two of these are used to tow the cart of the opposing “spearman”, the third one is the “spearman”.
THE OFFER OF WAX – The Sunday before the Patron Saint’s Day -13 November – 4 pm
“The feast of the fusion of the big candle” is certainly among the oldest in the city, among the events in honor of its patron saints.
It dates back to around 1550, when the Podestà – the holder of the highest civil office in the government of the cities of central-northern Italy during the late Middle Ages – accompanied by the Priors, Nobles and Confraternities, brought the wax to the Cathedral to make the large candle to be placed next to the tomb of Saint Florido, which burned every day of the year. Currently the historical procession is made up of the Confraternities in their ancient costumes and the period representations: Magistrate, Captain of the People, Priors, Nobles, Knights, Ladies, Armigeri, Tamburini, Crossbowmen, Rectors of the University of Crafts etc. After the fusion the candle is brought to the Cathedral where a religious function is celebrated.
THEATER SEASON
October – March
“DEGLI ILLUMINATI” Municipal Theater
The review includes theatrical performances included in the national circuit.
THE SUNDAY AT THE THEATER
December, January, February, March
Municipal Theater, 15.30
Theatrical review for children.
“ENRICO ZANGARELLI” NATIONAL MUSICAL COMPETITION
first week of May
Church of S.Francesco.
National competition reserved for middle schools with musical specialization.
SUMMER IN TOWN
June, July, August and September
Historic Center and municipal area.
The event includes popular festivals, concerts, theater, night openings of shops
CDCINEMA
July
Santa Cecilia courtyard, Old Town – 9.30 pm.
Movies Festival
FESTIVAL delle NAZIONI
Last week of August and the first of September
Città di Castello, Citerna, San Giustino and San Sepolcro.
Among the most important musical events in Europe. Each year the Festival hosts a nation that presents the best of its musical production with the best known performers. The concerts are held in the beautiful churches and splendid Renaissance buildings in Città di Castello and the surrounding area.
THE ANCIENT BOOK AND THE ANCIENT PRINT
NATIONAL EXHIBITION AND MARKET
First weekend of September
Palazzo Vitelli in Sant’Egidio.
The first itinerant printers arrived in Città di Castello as early as 1538. Since then the city has always had prestige for its printers.
In the exhibition, important exhibitions highlight the particular historical-artistic and technological aspects linked to the hard-working and innovative local typographic entrepreneurship.
“THE OTHER PAGE” STUDY CONFERENCES
Weekend of the second week of September
Municipal Theater
International conference on issues concerning the changes taking place in today’s society.
TIFERNO COMICS
third week of September, third week of October
Palazzo Bufalini – Old Town
The Friends of Comics Association proposes each year one of the most loved Italian cartoonists, with tables of their characters, from the first appearances to the most recent strips.
TIFERNO COMICS EXHIBIT – MANGA FEST
Third weekend of October
Loggiato Gildoni.
The exhibition has become one of the most popular events on a national level. In Old Town, Piazza G. Matteotti and the Loggia of Palazzo Bufalini host comic stands. The exhibition has a large space dedicated to Manga and, moreover, a “Cosplay Contest” which will award a prize to the first classified in each category.
CONCRETE UTOPIES FAIR
First weekend of November
Palazzo Bufalini – Old Town
Initiative at European level that proposes experiences and solutions for ecological conversion and processes to make production, consumption and organization of society “ecologically sustainable and compatible”.
“CITTA ‘DI CASTELLO” LITERARY AWARD
Prize-giving last Saturday of October
The Prize is reserved for unpublished works and is divided into three sections: fiction, poetry and non-fiction.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
December 26
Church of San Francesco – 5.30pm.
The concert is performed by the choir “M.Alboni” of Città di Castello, conducted by Maestro Marcello Marini.
RETRÒ –Flea market
Third Sunday of each month
Piazza G. Matteotti and Loggiato Gildoni – Old Town
ONLY WINE FESTIVAL
On the fourth weekend of April
Old Town
National Exhibition of young producers and small wineries, which display the best of their production. Free tastings recommended by the best Italian sommeliers.
SAN BARTOLOMEO’S FAIR
August’s third or fourth weekend
Old Town
Merchandise and Craft Fair
CATTLE FAIR
August’s third weekend
A. Langer Park
It takes place together with the San Bartolomeo’s trade fairs. With animals of different species, the ancient fair is remembered, when farmers and breeders brought their livestock, cattle, pigs and sheep on this day, both to show it and to sell it.
SAN FLORIDO’S FAIR
The weekend after the patron feast (November 13th)
Historic Center and Viale A. Diaz.
Many stalls display craft, food and commercial products.
INTERNATIONAL CRIB EXHIBITION
From the first Saturday of December to the Epiphany
Crypt of the Cathedral.
Large exhibition of Nativity scenes, with a large section of Neapolitan Nativity scenes. For the number of exhibitors and the quality of the works on display, the exhibition represents one of the most important events, with works from countries and cities around the world made with different techniques and materials. The exhibition is curated by the Friends of the Crib Association of Città di Castello.
LIVING NATIVITY
December 25th, 26th and January the 6th
Volterrano Locality
The representation of the nativity scene is set in a highly suggestive natural setting among meadows, woods and rivers. Almost all the inhabitants of the small town are involved, who enthusiastically participate in this initiative where, besides the Sacred Representation, scenes of daily life from the past are proposed.
FIRE BRIGADE’S “BEFANA”
Piazza V. Gabriotti, January 6, 4pm.
The Befana descends from the Civic Tower in Piazza Gabriotti, bringing gifts to the children.
CARNIVAL PARTY IN THE CENTRAL SQUARE
Piazza Matteotti, 2.30 pm.
The initiative takes place in collaboration with the local companies and various city associations.
DEAD CHRIST PROCESSION
Holy Friday
Old Town, 9 pm
From the municipal historical archive, as early as 1230 the Disciplinary for Eternity bearers of the Dead, in addition to bringing the dead to burial, held a funeral accompaniment on Good Friday, replacing the dead with a simulacrum of the Dead Christ. For several years the Confraternity of the Good Council has managed to re-enact the event by reconstructing the costumes of the thirteenth century, with the large “focolo” – fire – that opens the parade, the focolieri, the tambourines, the trumpets, the representatives of the Arts with their strips, crossbowmen, the magistrate with the armigers, the captain of the people, of justice, with soldiers, the gonfalonier and other figures followed by the bearers of the dead in black hoods, the large penitential cross, the dealers, the skull on the red silk cushion and finally the ancient “cataletto” carried on the shoulder by the confreres, with the life-size simulacrum of the Dead Christ on it.
FEAST OF SAN PASQUALE
third weekend of May
Zoccolanti Sanctuary
Religious celebrations, music, gastronomy and a great firework display.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE GOOD COUNCIL
May, June – week to coincide with the feast of the Holy Trinity
San Secondo Locality.
Religious celebrations, processions and various entertainment.
SUMMER PARTY
Tthe second weekend of June
Trestina Locality.
During the festival, tasting of the products of local gastronomy as Chianina meat steak, summer truffle and DOC wine from Umbria. Sports, theater and music.
SOLEMN PROCESSION OF THE CORPUS DOMINI
Corpus Christi Day – Streets of the Historic Center – 10.30 am celebration of Holy Mass in Piazza Gabriotti. Procession departure at 12.30
CORPUS DOMINI FEAST
Corpus Christi Day
Badia Petroia Locality
Religious celebrations, various entertainment and fireworks.
FEAST OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Saturday and Sunday after Corpus Christi
Morra Locality.
On Saturday evening a procession moves from the nearby Faraldello hill, where an ancient convent was located, and reaches the village through the woods, up to the Church of San Crescentino. On Sunday morning the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament takes place, organized by the Brotherhood of the same name, which involves the whole population.
“SUMMER” PARTY – MATTONATA QUARTER
Third or fourth weekend of June
Centro Storico, Rione Mattonata
In addition to the traditional Palio dell’Oca, which takes place on the first Sunday of October, the Società Rionale Mattonata, one of the historic districts of the city, offers a summer party with musical and gastronomic initiatives.
BADIALI FEAST
Third weekend of June
Badiali Locality
Music and food stands of local products.
RIOSECCO IN FEAST
last week of June
Riosecco Locality .
The party is characterized by a very articulate musical program, with the presence of many orchestras. In addition to various products of local cuisine, steak of Chianina meat is also served.
PROMANO FEAST
Second weekend of July
Via Romana Green Area ,
Promano Locality
Among other specialties, “castrato” is served. It is adult lamb meat, less tender, but equally tasty. Various initiatives will animate the three days of celebration.
RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF THE FESTIVITY OF SANTA VERONICA GIULIANI
July the 9th and the previous week
Santa Veronica Monastery.
Sister Veronica Giuliani, born in 1660 and canonized, lived in the monastery in 17th century.
THE WHITE TRUFFLE National Market Exhibition
All Saints Day – Old Town.
The event celebrates the precious white truffle, one of the most prized species (Tuber Magnatum Pico). The exhibition offers gastronomy and local culture, the olive oil and new wine salon, then traditional dishes proposed by famous chefs, “show-cooking” and gastronomic workshops. The charm of the white truffle has many components – the unique, unmistakable and absolute perfume, the size and shape, which must be as regular and rounded as possible, and the incomparable flavor that is expressed served raw and without the need for sauces and condiments .
ONLY WINE FESTIVAL
April, third, or fourth, weekend – Old Town.
It is the National Exhibition of young producers and small wineries. Protagonists of the best one hundred “Under 40” wineries in Italy, selected by the Italian Sommeliers Association (AIS) which will exhibit the best of their production. Free tastings recommended by the best Italian sommeliers.
SAGRA DEL MAZZAFEGATO
July, second weekend – Salaiolo and La Tina districts.
The “mazzafegato” is a type of sausage, produced with pork and fine processing, seasoned with salt, pepper, fennel, garlic and orange peels. Excellent both roasted and seasoned, the mazzafegato is recognized as a specialty of the Upper Tiber Valley.
FESTIVAL OF THE “TORTA AL TESTO”
July, second weekend – Volterrano Locality
The torta al testo, or “ciaccia sul panaro” – as it is called in Allta Valle del Tevere – is a dough made up of water, flour, salt and a pinch of baking soda that is put on the panaro or testo (round top made with refractory stone) previously placed in the hearth, above the embers. Once cooked, the ciaccia is stuffed with ham, capocollo, cheese or cooked grass.
ANCIENT FLAVORS
August 26th and 27th – Volterrano Locality
A small hamlet south of Città di Castello on the border with Tuscany, proposes ancient recipes and dishes of popular and peasant cuisine, music and games.
CHESTNUT FESTIVAL
October, third weekend – Morra
Small but populous town in the municipality of Città di Castello, is rich in chestnut woods of high quality. On feast days it will be possible to appreciate this tasty fruit in various ways, starting from sweets up to honey, harvested during the flowering period of chestnuts.
DESCENT OF THE TEVERE RIVER IN CANOE – RACE
Third weekend of March, bridge over the Tiber.
The initiative opens the competitive season on a national level. On Saturday the slalom “Coppa Italia Primavera” is scheduled, reserved for youth categories, while on Sunday the traditional “International downhill competitions” are held.
CITTA’ DI CASTELLO – ROME BY CANOE
departure from Città di Castello on April 25th, from the bridge over the Tiber and arrival in Rome on May the 1st.
Ecological-sporting initiative that has been repeated for several years: Crews not only from Italy but also from abroad participate.
ALTA VALLE DEL TEVERE TROPHY
“MEMORIAL RENATO AMANTINI”
First Sunday in April, departure and arrival in Piazza Garibaldi.
International cycling race for amateurs “Elite Under 23”.
SWIMMING WEEK OF CITTA’ ‘DI CASTELLO
The 35th INTERNATIONAL MASTERS “ITALO GALLUZZI” MEETING
Last weekend of May, Municipal Pools.
Reserved for F.I.N. Masters category.
MARATHON CLUB TROPHY
Third Sunday of May – Old Town center and periphery.
Open Competitive running race for members and ecological walk of km. 5.
The 25th NATIONAL SWIMMING MEETING “TIFERNUM TIBERINUM”
Third weekend of June, Municipal Pools
Swimming trophy at youth level, open to all categories.
YOUTH FOOTBALL TROPHY ’90
Last weekend of August, Bernicchi Stadium.
International football tournament reserved for the “chicks” category (ten years) under the patronage of F.I.G.C.
STRACASTELLO
Second Sunday of September, Old Town.
Competitive and non-competitive running race, on the distance of eight kilometers, through the streets of the old town.
FEMALE VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT “F. Fabbri “
From December 27 to 30, Palazzetto dello Sport.
Organized by the Italian Sports Center, youth teams from all over Italy participate.
