Palio di San Floriano
Tradition, music and local flavours bring Jesi to life all year round:
from the medieval Palio to the opera seasons at the Teatro Pergolesi, right through to the fairs and celebrations dedicated to Verdicchio.
The Palio di San Floriano, a historical re-enactment involving Jesi and the Vallesina municipalities, takes place every year on the weekend after 4th May.
The event recalls the town’s most important public ceremony, namely the presentation of the Pallio, a silk banner of various colours or decorations, by the Castelli del Contado (the current Vallesina villages) as a sign of submission to the town but also as an act of devotion to the patron saint.
Among the preparatory events to the Palio is the traditional ‘Scampanada de San Fiorà’, which takes place every 4th May, St Florian’s Day, and consists of a foot race through the streets of the historic centre in which children ring the traditional terracotta bells.
The Scampanada is inspired by the legend according to which the saint is challenged by the devil in a race of speed from the Gola della Rossa to the Castle of Jesi and, by drawing crosses along the route that slow the devil down, he wins by arriving first in the town greeted by the festive sound of bells.
In the days that follow, the historic centre is filled with a typically medieval atmosphere: participants in mediaeval costumes, flag-wavers, archers and musicians parade along the 15th-century walls.
The streets fill with historical-themed taverns, where dishes inspired by the cuisine of the time are served.
The highlight is the historical procession featuring the mayors of the Vallesina and the municipal banners, which reaches the Cathedral for the traditional offering of a candle to the Bishop, as a sign of respect for religious authority.
Finally, the Palio itself takes place, with tournaments and medieval games that determine the winning town, which keeps the Palio for a year until the next edition.
