Festival of Medieval Arts 2026 in Narni: official presentation and

Festival of Medieval Arts 2026 in Narni: presentation and key events

On Friday 24 April the sixth edition of the Festival of Medieval Arts was presented at Palazzo dei Priori. The festival will be held in Narni from 4 to 6 September 2026 and is themed “The world of Boccaccio”, marking 650 years since Giovanni Boccaccio’s death and exploring cultural, social and artistic aspects of the 14th century.

Educational and cultural program

The University of Reenactors returns as the festival’s core: free lectures and training activities led by medieval scholars and experts. Sessions are aimed at both enthusiasts and professionals in historical reenactment. The main venue will be the Bortolotti Auditorium in the town centre.

Main topics include:

• everyday life and medieval crafts;
• fashion, sumptuary laws and social distinction;
• economy, credit systems and bills of exchange;
• Boccaccio’s literature and historical plausibility.

Reenactment, partnerships and conservation

Organised by the Ente Corsa all’Anello together with the Festival del Medioevo of Gubbio and the Centro Studi Storici di Narni, the festival has become a national reference for historical reenactment. Discussions will address the future of reenactment events and strategies to safeguard this intangible cultural heritage.

Official trials at the Campo de li Giochi

On Sunday 25 April official field trials were held at the Campo de li Giochi ahead of the equestrian race scheduled for 10 May: riders from the three Terzieri tested horses and track conditions. Participants at the trials included:

• Terziere Mezule: Mattia Zannori, Tommaso Finestra, Luca Chitarrini, Luca Morosini (horses: Dragon Fly Star, Bridge Elle, Cosmic Luck, Scoiattolina, Demurone).
• Terziere Fraporta: Luca Paterni, Leonardo Piciucchi, Riccardo Quintili, Matteo Tabanelli (horses: True Motion, Sou Incantada, Don Medelin, Atomic Reel).
• Terziere Santa Maria: Tommaso Suadoni, Francesco Matticari, Marco Diafaldi, Cesare Bonanni, Jacopo Matticari (horses: Optically, Tutto Scorre, Blue Mayson, Sky Bridge, Thunderstruck, Secret Image, Green Commander, Good Magic).

During the trials the Fraporta Terziere publicly saluted Receptivo, a long-serving stable horse now being retired.

Maintenance, safety and audience services

The technical secretariat highlighted the restoration and management work on the Campo dei Giochi to ensure year-round use, including repairs after wildlife damage and updates to the race regulations and veterinary protocol. The 2026 veterinary commission has been confirmed and has already carried out preliminary fitness checks.

Practical information

Main festival dates: 4–6 September 2026. Main venue: Bortolotti Auditorium (Palazzo dei Priori, Narni). Some lectures are free; check official channels of the Ente Corsa all’Anello for schedules and any reservation requirements.