The Cavalcade of the Assumption

August 15 in Fermo is the Cavalcata dell'Assunta, one of the oldest historical re-enactments in Italy. The festival is preceded by games and tournaments in which the ten contrade compete, which also compete in gastronomic trials with huge tables set up in the "Hostarie." On the day of Ferragosto, the Palio dell'Assunta is held, a horse race - along a course of about 850 meters - that is preceded by a historical procession in 15th-century costumes. The winner of the Palio is awarded a finely crafted cloth.