Vernio 488 - Festivals and Celebrations

Polenta Festival (1st Sunday of Lent):
remembering the sacking, in 1512, by the Spanish troops and, after their departure, the subsequent distribution of foodstuffs – polenta made from chestnuts, dried cod and herring – from the Bardi Counts’ castle. Historical procession, reading of the parchment and distribution of chestnut polenta.

St Joseph’s festival (1st Sunday after 19th March): celebrating the local animals and local products

Singing May (1st May): festival taking place all over the region with local bands and orchestras performing songs and popular dances

Dusting festival (1st Sunday in June): remembering the grain threshing

St Ann’s festival (1st Sunday after 25th July): dancing, singing and fireworks

Woodman’s festival (2nd Sunday in July): wood cutting competitions, lassoing, etc

Rinficolona festival (7 September): procession with hand-made lamps (rinficolona) around the streets of the town, remembering the people who would come into the town for the Madonna della Fiera.

Madonna della Fiera (8th September): procession through the streets, blessing of the Holy Belt from Donatello’s pulpit, fireworks

Donkey Palio (15th September)

Siege of the Villa three days of festivities. Wine tasting and historical re-enactments

St Michael’s festival (8th December): market

All throughout the winter, there are plays and operas taking place on Sunday afternoons.