Fermo returns to the Middle Ages for the Palio. Today is the Cavalcade of the Assumption.

In Fermo, reenacting means reliving, donning the robes of the past to make it both alive and present. The Cavalcata dell'Assunta is Italy's oldest historical reenactment. Every year, it brings to life the procession, religious celebrations, and tournaments associated with the patronal feast of the Madonna Assunta since 1182. Today is the longest day, the time during which the city's ten contrade (districts) reunite, reenacting the parade with over a thousand participants, and traversing the city to await the horse race. Deputy Mayor and Councilor for the Cavalcata dell'Assunta, Mauro Torresi, describes today as the final act of a film that actually runs year-round, with the dedicated and dedicated work of the contrada members, engaging young people and instilling a profound sense of belonging. Among this year's major innovations is the media partnership with the regional RAI, another major step towards strengthening promotion throughout the Marche region. The event will be broadcast on a delayed broadcast in the coming days. "We've made ourselves very well known; last year we already collaborated with Rai International," said Cavalcata Vice President Roberto Montelpare. "It's also important for us to establish relationships with local communities, such as schools, to ensure the tradition never fades." Cavalcata director Adolfo Leoni calls the Contrade true guardians of the city: "The Contrada has the power to forge relationships among the people and rebuild solidarity. Politics must understand the importance of this guardianship, which requires support—that is, investment in its success."

Today's program includes a solemn pontifical mass at 10 a.m. in the cathedral, attended by Bishop Rocco Pennacchio, once again paying homage to the Virgin of the Assumption. In the afternoon, starting at 3 p.m., the procession slowly unfolds, passing noble families and commoners, guilds and nobles, for a truly meticulously crafted journey back to the Middle Ages. From 5 p.m., the contrade (districts) will compete for the precious palio, painted by master Michele Ferrari. Ferrari explains: "I decided to place the horses in the foreground, but they remain in darkness. Above, in the illuminated sky, is the Madonna of the Assumption. Mary extends her hand over the cathedral and the entire event, which represents not just a time of celebration but a moment dedicated to sacredness, in which the city's roots are rediscovered. A culture that belongs to everyone is celebrated, even to me, who lives far from Fermo."

The ten horses are ready, the contrada members hold tight to their colors, and Fermo returns to the Middle Ages and experiences its brightest day.

Angelica Malvatani