The ancient Umbrian tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring returns, as it does every year, to Assisi on the first Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday after the first of May, with the famous Calendimaggio festival, which this year will be held from 7 to 10 May.

During the days of the festival, the typical medieval atmosphere is relived in the alleys of Assisi, amidst songs, music, jousts and traditional costumes.

The two factions into which the city is divided, the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra and the Magnifica Parte de Sotto, compete for the palio through parades, re-enactments, games, singular contests and singing performances in medieval costumes in the most evocative spaces of Assisi.

Deciding the winning side is a jury, which changes every year, composed of experts in history, music and the world of entertainment. The verdict, which is final, leads to the awarding of the Palio on Saturday evening, the final day of the kermesse.

To accompany it all, Umbrian cuisine, for the occasion revisited in a period version.

For further information: calendimaggio.com