Marche Region Traditions and Festivals

In the Marche region traditions are still very strong; this is a region of Italy that remains true to its roots and heritage.

That said, the best part of it all is that everyone here knows how to have lots of fun and it's infectious too. Come along and join in...

The Italian region of Le Marche is in many ways one of the homes of the Renaissance—second only to Tuscany and Florence.

Many of the greatest architects and artists of the period were from Le Marche. Names such as Raphael and da Fabriano are now world famous. Urbino, one of Italy's greatest Renaissance cities, is at the heart of this great legacy—once home to Raphael himself as well as to Paolo Uccello and Piero della Francesca.

The past and the Marche region traditions are often most evident in the festivals that are still of great importance. Nearly every town, however big or small, has a festa.

Ascoli Piceno by Jim DeLutes

Ascoli Piceno and La Quintana

I remember the energy in Ascoli Piceno during La Quintana—it’s something you have to feel to believe. The whole town comes alive with this fierce, proud energy. It’s not a show for tourists—it’s their history, their heart, playing out right in the ancient streets.

The moment it all clicks is in Piazza Arringo. They transform it into a full-blown medieval arena. Watching the jousters—decked out in incredible handmade armor—charge on horseback, lances aimed... you can feel the tension. These riders aren’t performers; they’re representing their neighborhood, their family, their sestiere. And they take it dead seriously.

But my favorite part might actually be the parade. The whole city floods the cobblestone streets—trumpets blaring, drums echoing, flags flying everywhere. Everyone’s in meticulous period costume, and the pride just radiates off them. For a moment, you don’t just see history—you’re in it. The music, the costumes, the raw energy of the crowd… you feel like you’ve been pulled right back into the Middle Ages.

What stays with you, though, is the community. This isn’t just a tournament—it’s a rivalry built on deep respect. You see generations of families cheering, laughing, and crying together. When the Palio is awarded at sunset under the lights of the piazza… that roar of the crowd… it’s pure emotion.

Have you ever been to a festival that felt completely authentic—where you could just feel the history and passion everywhere? This is that.

The Town of Treia Festival:  La Disfida del Bracciale

La Disfida del Bracciale in late August stands as one of the most distinctive historical reenactments, not only in the rich tapestry of Marche but throughout Italy.

Set against the backdrop of the early 19th century, this unique festival transports Treia into the golden age of the bracciale (bracelet), a rather unusual sport invented, I believe, by Carlo Didimi, a noble from Treia. Honoring his legacy, the town transforms into a riot of color, painted in the vibrant colors of Onglavina (yellow), Cassero (green), Vallesacco (purple), and Borgo (azure).

Then comes Sunday, the day of La Disfida: preparations are made for the historical big game, the stars of the game are admired as highly as any football star, and the arena resonates with the cheers of fans. The winning neighborhood—the victor—will safeguard the trophy until the next edition and have bragging rights for an entire year.

The culinary aspect is a vital component of La Disfida, featuring a rediscovery of recipes from that era served by the neighborhood taverns, restaurants, and trattorie, which stay open until late into the night. The best part about it is that lucky passers-by get to eat some of the best traditional Marche dishes, prepared by the best cooks. It is worth turning up just for the eating.

The Ugly Festival of Piobbico

One of the most unusual of all festivals is held at the end of the first week in September: the Ugliness Festival of Piobbico (the Festa dei Brutti). This festa has become a celebration that embraces the extraordinary beauty found in imperfection. This unique festival is a testament to the belief that true beauty lies not in conventional aesthetics but in the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make each individual exceptional.

Held annually on the cobblestone streets of Piobbico, the Festa dei Brutti transforms this quaint town into a kaleidoscope of colors, laughter, and, most importantly, self-acceptance. The festival kicks off with a grand parade, where locals and visitors alike proudly flaunt their "ugly" sweaters, mismatched outfits, and bold fashion choices. It's a spectacle of diversity, as participants revel in expressing their unique styles without the constraints of societal beauty norms.

One of the highlights of the Festa dei Brutti is the "Ugly Mask Contest," where artisans and participants showcase their creativity by crafting masks that challenge traditional ideas of beauty. These masks become symbolic of embracing one's true self, flaws and all, and serve as a powerful reminder that behind every facade lies a story worth celebrating.

The town square transforms into a vibrant marketplace, with stalls offering eccentric and unconventional goods. Indulge in delicious treats from food vendors offering quirky combinations, blending unexpected flavors that mirror the festival's essence—unconventional, bold, and utterly delightful.

Music is everywhere you go as street performers, bands, and local artists take center stage, adding to the jubilant atmosphere. The Festa dei Brutti isn't just about appearances; it's a celebration of talents, passions, and the unique qualities that make each person beautiful in their own way.

A highlight of the festival is the "Beauty in Diversity" exhibition, where local artists display their works that challenge societal norms and redefine conventional standards of beauty. From avant-garde sculptures to thought-provoking paintings, the exhibition encourages contemplation on the subjective nature of beauty and the importance of embracing diversity.

As night falls, the festival takes on a magical ambiance with illuminated installations and a spectacular fireworks display. The town's historic buildings become canvases for light projections, showcasing messages of self-love and acceptance.

The Festa dei Brutti isn't just a local event; it has gained recognition beyond Piobbico, drawing visitors from around the world who seek to experience a festival that celebrates authenticity and challenges the notion of conventional beauty. This is becoming a global movement and interested candidates are welcome to apply. More than 35,000 people are now members.

The philosophy is that once you accept yourself, warts and all, and revel in who you are, you are liberated and free from preconceptions and inhibitions. You save yourself a lot of worry and plastic surgery bills too!

The club has global ambitions and the aim is for every town and country to have a club, so break free of your chains and start it up in your town!! 

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to traditions in Le Marche. Nearly every town has some annual festival, but even outside of festa time, the culinary, artistic, and other Marche region traditions are very much in evidence.

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