Assisi's calendar is filled with traditional events and religious ceremonies all year long. The mystical Franciscan lyricism is evoked starting at Christmas time, when crèches are set up the churches and in the characteristic medieval alleys and street corners, and continues through Easter, the procession for Corpus Domini, the Feast of the Religious Vow (June 22), the Assisi Pardon (August 1-2), the Ascension and Pentecost. Most important, however, are the feasts of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy (October 4), and of St. Clare (August 12).
The Assisi Pardon
The Pardon commemorates the indulgence granted to St. Francis during the official confirmation of his Rule by Pope Honorius III. This indulgence would be given anyone who went to the Porziuncola for the remissions of his sins.
This feast is celebrated from July 31 through August 2 and attracts crowds of pilgrims from all parts of the world.
The processions held during Holy Week are particularly interesting and inspiring. They wind their way through the streets of the city, accompanied by hooded friars who carry the symbols of Christ's Passion and bear the cross, as well as by other religious orders and torch-bearers.
The scene of the "Deposition from the Crucifix and Mary holding her Son's body" is also commemorated in the same way that was part of certain ancient and sacred rites.
Although these ceremonies and feasts are characterized mainly by their religious and celebratory aspect, almost all of them are also accompanied by other historical and cultural aspects (in fact, they include processions in medieval costumes and traditional rites) that make them especially fascinating.
Artistic, musical and cultural events
The calendar of artistic and cultural events is just as rich and ranges from art and antique shows to conventions and courses, to concerts and shows, including "Festa Musica Pro" and "Musica Antica", which also offer master classes.
One of the city's most famous traditional events is Calendimaggio, which literally transforms the city, sending it back through time.
CalendimaggioCalendimaggio (in antiquity, the "calends" were the first days of the month) was originally a profane festival, even though over the course of the centuries, it has come to include the figure of St. Francis and the carefree days of his youth.
The festival lasts for three days and is held on the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday in May. It is an explosion of joy and vigor, music and song, costumes and flowers.
This is truly the celebration and exaltation of springtime, which is expressed in people and things through the sheer joy of living.
The purpose of this event, which is probably the one that is felt most deeply by the people of Assisi, who participate dressed in traditional costumes that have been faithful replicas, is to win the "palio" or prize.
It is a contest between the two quarters into which the city is divided, the "Magnifica parte de Sotto", or the lower part of the city, and the "Nobilissima parte de Sopra", or upper part of the city. A jury awards the prize to the quarter that has better distinguished itself in terms of costumes, songs, games and contests.
But Assisi also has other things to offer. Scholars can take advantage of its libraries and valuable archives. Nature-lovers can go on excursions to enjoy the silent wooded areas, or they can climb to the top of Mount Subasio (altitude 1290 meters). Anyone interested in sports can use its modern facilities, which offer playing fields, tracks, gyms and swimming pools.
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