Calendimaggio 2024 will likely take place between May 8-11, 2024 in Assisi, Italy. The festival dates back centuries and celebrates the arrival of spring through parades, performances, and competitions between the town's two districts over four days. A jury of experts will determine which district wins the Palio banner based on their medieval reenactments and musical challenges.

1. CALENDIMAGGIO 2024
Calendimaggio 2024 will most likely take place between Wednesday, May 8, and Saturday,
May 11, 2024, in the beautiful town of Assisi.
WHAT ARE THE DATES FOR CALENDIMAGGIO 2024?
Since 2015, the festival is held every year on the first Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and
Saturday after the 1st of May, to greet the arrival of spring.
In 2024, May 1st will fall on a Wednesday, just as it happened in 2019, and Calendimaggio 2024
will most likely take place between May 8 and 11.
WHAT IS THE LOCATION FOR CALENDIMAGGIO
2024?
Calendimaggio 2024 will take place in Assisi, and the most important events of the festival will
be held in the main square of the town, Piazza del Comune.
SHORT HISTORY OF CALENDIMAGGIO
The origins of Calendimaggio are lost in time. Most likely, the festival tried to revive an ancient
pagan custom that celebrated the return of spring and the renewal of the cycle of life.
The ancient chronicles tell us that Assisi, at the beginning of the 14th century, reached its
maximum splendor, a fact confirmed by the expansion of its walls, and by its numerous palaces
and churches.
At the same time, the city was divided in two parts – the Lower Part (Parte de Sotto), belonging
to the Fiumi family, supporting the Guelphs, and the Upper Part (Parte de Sopra), belonging to
the Nepis family, supporting the Ghibellines.
For short periods of time, one family overtook the other, but Calendimaggio was kept alive.
This custom lasted for centuries, until the festival was profoundly renewed in 1927, at the behest
of the Mayor of Assisi, Arnaldo Fortini.

2. During the Second World War, the festival was paused, but was brought back to life after the
war, in 1947.
Finally, in 1954, on the initiative of some local intellectuals, Calendimaggio received the shape
in which is celebrated today.
CALENDIMAGGIO TODAY
For Calendimaggio, the town is divided in two parts – the Magnificent Lower Part (Magnifica
Parte de Sotto) and the Noble Upper Part (Nobilissima Parte de Sopra).
The parts challenge each other for the conquest of the Palio, through parades in medieval
costumes, reenactment of medieval life and musical performances.
A jury, composed of internationally renowned experts (a historian, a musicologist and an
entertainment personality), choose the winner of each edition.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR CALENDIMAGGIO 2024
On Wednesday, May 8, the main events are the blessing of the banners, the ceremony of handing
over the keys of the city, the restitution of the Palio and the reading of challenges.
On Thursday, May 9, various medieval games will take place, and the Madonna Primavera will
be elected.
On Friday, May 10, the challenge between the tambourines of the two parts will take place, and
various night parades.
On Saturday, May 11, the last day of the festival, daytime parades will take place, followed by
the singing challenge, and the assignment of the Palio in the evening.