In the small town of Lanciano in Abruzzo in central Italy, a magical event takes place from the last Sunday in August until the first Sunday in September; the Mastrogiurato di Lanciano! This is a celebration of a legendary medieval fair filled with delicious banquets, old fashioned tavern style tents, jugglers, street performers, medieval games of chivalry between knights, parades and much more!
If you would like to enjoy a week of fulfilling entertainment then you can enjoy a stay at a pretty vacation rental in Marina di San Vito town, about ten minute's drive from Lanciano.
This exciting festival derived its name from the period of 1304 when Charles II of Anjou appointed a ‘Mastrogiurato’ to govern the local town fairs, welcome guests and keep the peace between travelling merchants when trading their goods.
If you would like to enjoy a week of fulfilling entertainment then you can enjoy a stay at a pretty vacation rental in Marina di San Vito town, about ten minute's drive from Lanciano.
This exciting festival derived its name from the period of 1304 when Charles II of Anjou appointed a ‘Mastrogiurato’ to govern the local town fairs, welcome guests and keep the peace between travelling merchants when trading their goods.
He carried a weapon and could arrest anyone who disturbed the positive atmosphere. The appointed Mastrogiurato had to swear an oath of allegiance in the town hall and then proceed to the fairgrounds, the ‘Prato della Fiera’ to read out the regulations of the town fair and then declare it officially open.
It’s a most enjoyable experience to celebrate with the townspeople, a medieval time when fairs such as these were a rich source of culture and commerce for the surrounding cities and towns.
The vibrant town of Lanciano was also geographically ideal as it was located at the junction of North/South and East/West sheep tracks and drew thousands of merchants from across Europe to trade here.
It was so important to the economy of this town that the Mayor send out guards to escort and protect travelers from thieves as they brought their goods to and from the town during the fair week.
It’s a most enjoyable experience to celebrate with the townspeople, a medieval time when fairs such as these were a rich source of culture and commerce for the surrounding cities and towns.
The vibrant town of Lanciano was also geographically ideal as it was located at the junction of North/South and East/West sheep tracks and drew thousands of merchants from across Europe to trade here.
It was so important to the economy of this town that the Mayor send out guards to escort and protect travelers from thieves as they brought their goods to and from the town during the fair week.
Since 1981, Lanciano has created a magnificent reenactment of the medieval fair to celebrate the wealth it brought to the area.
The highlight of the week takes place on the final day, the first Sunday of September when a historical parade of over 700 people dressed in traditional costumes march through the town bearing flags and playing music, cheered on by the merry locals. Such a heartwarming scene it is to witness a celebration of what made the town of Lanciano so great; the air is flooded with delicious smells of the famous ‘Panarde’ being prepared.
This is an Abruzzese tradition, where over forty traditional dishes are prepared for an all night feast! If you enjoy the jolly atmosphere of medieval festivals then why not read our exciting article on the five best entertainment events in Italy which all have a fun medieval theme! The exquisite festival of the ‘’Mastrogiurato di Lanciano’’ is a gift for the senses and is well worth basing your holiday to Italy around.
The highlight of the week takes place on the final day, the first Sunday of September when a historical parade of over 700 people dressed in traditional costumes march through the town bearing flags and playing music, cheered on by the merry locals. Such a heartwarming scene it is to witness a celebration of what made the town of Lanciano so great; the air is flooded with delicious smells of the famous ‘Panarde’ being prepared.
This is an Abruzzese tradition, where over forty traditional dishes are prepared for an all night feast! If you enjoy the jolly atmosphere of medieval festivals then why not read our exciting article on the five best entertainment events in Italy which all have a fun medieval theme! The exquisite festival of the ‘’Mastrogiurato di Lanciano’’ is a gift for the senses and is well worth basing your holiday to Italy around.
Photo credits
picture 1: Olivier Jules / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Roberto Vicario / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Olivier Jules / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Roberto Vicario / CC BY-SA 3.0
