Description:

The Festa degli Statuti is Fossato di Vico’s main historical re-enactment and represents one of the most significant occasions for showcasing the community’s historical and cultural heritage. Established in 1996, the event draws its inspiration from the ancient Statutes of Fossato Castle, granted in 1386 by Count Antonio II Monaldeschi della Cervara and now preserved in the Municipal Historical Archive. These documents provide a valuable insight into the political, administrative and social life of the medieval community and form the historical basis for the entire re-enactment. 

Every year, on the second weekend of May, the medieval village of Fossato di Vico is transported back to the atmosphere of the 14th century. The streets, squares and historic buildings come alive with hundreds of costumed participants who re-enact scenes of daily life, public ceremonies and solemn moments linked to the granting of the Statutes. The programme includes the grand historical procession, the reading and symbolic presentation of the Statutes, performances by musicians, flag-wavers, jesters and soldiers, medieval markets, demonstrations of ancient crafts, military encampments and taverns serving dishes inspired by local tradition. 

A central feature of the festival is the participation of the town’s four historic Gates – Porta del Serrone, Porta Nova, Porta del Castello and Porta di San Benedetto – which compete against one another in tests of skill, games and contests to win the Palio degli Statuti. The rivalry between the Gates, experienced in a spirit of collaboration and friendship, involves the entire population and represents a strong sense of identity and belonging. 

The Festa degli Statuti is made possible thanks to the work of the Associazione Medioevo Fossatano and hundreds of volunteers who, throughout the year, devote themselves to historical research and the creation of costumes, sets and displays, helping to maintain the high quality of the historical re-enactment. The event involves people of all ages, fostering dialogue between generations and the passing on of the community’s knowledge, traditions and values. 

The attached photographs and videos document some of the event’s most iconic moments, highlighting the richness of the re-enactment, the historical accuracy of the costumes and settings, the involvement of the local community, and the atmosphere that transforms the village into a vibrant, lively medieval town. 

Today, the Festa degli Statuti stands as an important example of intangible cultural heritage, capable of preserving the historical memory of the area, strengthening the ‘sense of place’ and promoting awareness of Fossato di Vico’s medieval heritage. Through the active participation of the community, the event contributes to the transmission of local history, the promotion of traditions and the development of cultural tourism, making the past a living resource for the present and for future generations.