The Carnival

(February or March)

The Carnival in Ascoli is one of the most picturesque winter events.

The town fills up with all kinds of maskers, from the classic to the most elegant ones, from the amusing to the satirical ones, in which it is possible to recognize politicians and famous personalities of the entertainment world.

Festivities with parades and dancing in the square last a whole week.

In this period no-one can be only a spectator, because everyone is swept away by the exhilaration that the masks generate.

Accademia Italiana students and teachers always participate in the celebrations with enthusiasm.

The town’s nightlife hums too and in a wide variety of clubs people dance till sunrise.

The Quintana

(On the first Sunday of August +night edition in July)

The Quintana jousting tournament is an event which has medieval origins.

About 1500 people parade in the old streets of the town.

The knights wear suits of armor and the beautiful ladies wear precious dresses designed according to the models of fourteenth century pictures.

The festival reaches its greatest heights as the parade gets to its destination and competitions of skill take place. Jousters on horseback from different “sestieri” (quarters of the town) race for the Palio .

We will watch the parade together and in the evening we will take you to watch the traditional fireworks.

The Quintana is not a performance for tourists but a ceremony to which the inhabitants of Ascoli greatly contribute. For months they prepare, with ability and passion, the costumes and choreographies for “their” celebration.