The historic Italian village of Montone has entered the peak of its annual summer calendar with the formal opening of the “Donazione della Santa Spina” historical reenactment, highlighted by an opening victory in traditional archery for the Porta del Borgo rione, according to regional reports from Cittadino e Provincia.
Archery Competition Kicks Off Historic Festival in Umbria
Running through Sunday, August 21, the “Donazione della Santa Spina” stands as one of the oldest and most atmospheric historical pageants in Umbria. The multi-day festival preserves the medieval traditions, civic memory, and legendary figures of Montone through cultural events, art workshops, and theatrical spectacles. Before the dramatic enactments of medieval daily life began, the community’s three historical districts—or rioni—faced off in a traditional archery tournament.
Porta del Borgo secured the opening victory of the festival behind the precise shooting of archers Demetrio Bruschi, Riccardo Colcelli, and Giorgia Ferranti, as detailed by Altotevere Oggi. Porta del Monte finished in second place with competitors Marco Bocchini, Giuseppe Serpolini, and Roberto Persico. Porta del Verziere placed third with archers Federico Arcipreti, Antonio Costa, and Alessandro Grassini. Meanwhile, the individual “Freccia d’oro 2022” award for best overall archer went to Federico Arcipreti of Porta del Verziere.
Medieval Scene Reenactments and Palio Quest Underway
While the initial archery standings give Porta del Borgo early momentum, the broader competition for the coveted festival palio and the selection of each district’s Castellana remains entirely undecided. A panel of expert judges evaluates competing groups based on strict historical adherence, set design, and dramatic interpretation.
The historical performance schedule opened Wednesday, August 17, with Porta del Verziere presenting “Con novo guardo che move d’amore.” Porta del Borgo followed on Thursday, August 18, with “La scelta,” while Porta del Monte concluded the theatrical sequence on Friday, August 19, staging “Sub tuum praesidium.” Festival organizers scheduled public festivities, markets, and celebratory gatherings to continue through the weekend leading up to the final closing ceremonies on August 21.
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