Cavalcade of the Assumption – 44th edition

In the heart of the Marche summer, Fermo is preparing to relive one of its most heartfelt and spectacular traditions: the Reading of the Announcement and Historical Procession of the Cavalcade of the Assumption, now in its 44th edition. This event represents the historical and identity soul of the city, evoking the solemn and festive atmosphere of the 15th century.

Fermo’s ten Contrade – six from the historic center and four “foranee” from territories outside the city walls – parade in period dress along the streets of the center, accompanied by drummers, clarions, nobles, armigers, standard bearers and ladies. Torre di Palme, incorporated as a contrada in 1982, carries the symbol of the Boat, witness to the seafaring identity of Palma’s ancient port of call. With effort and pride, its figures lead the sacred symbol up the city’s climbs to the parvis of the Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the patron saint of Fermo.

The highlight of the procession is the Reading of the Announcement, which will take place in Torre di Palme on Aug. 8, officially announcing the challenge between the contrade to win the Palio dell’Assunta, which will be held on August Ferragosto. The solemn reading re-enacts the ancient municipal edict and officially begins the festivities.

The arrangement of the contrade in the procession follows a precise symbolic order: the contrada that won the last edition of the Palio opens the parade, followed by the contrada that came last in the previous year. The remaining eight alternate according to a rotating pattern that keeps the competition alive in the stage performance as well.

The Cavalcade of the Assumption is not only a folkloric event: it is a deep connection with history, with the civic and religious roots of Fermo, an occasion for the community to renew each year a collective rite of belonging and memory.