Palio del Duca

SPONSALIA, an homage to love!

Every year in Acquaviva Picena is commemorated the betrothal and marriage, which took place in 1234, between Forastéria, daughter of Rainaldo of Acquaviva, named "the Big", and Rainaldo of Brunforte, Prince of Mogliano, son of Bonconte nephew of Fidesmino of Brunforte, Pirnce of Sarnano and Vicar of Frederic II. It was a very good marriage for the Acquaviva family, because Frederic II, who was bound very much to the Brunforte, could strenghten his position in the Piceno area. Forastéria and Rainaldo had seven children: Ottaviano, Rinaldo, Corrado, Ugolino, Francesca, Margherita, Gualtiero and each one are well fullfilled. The wedding is celebrated with a large banquet inside the fortress, where it recreates a medieval atmosphere with jesters, dancers, fire eaters and other typical entertainment of the time. The menu reflects medieval gastronomic habits and the service is in period costume. SPONSALIA is the historical reevocation of this marriage, that is performed between July and August at Acquaviva Picena every years since 1988 by the association "Palio del Duca". Games, performances, medieval ballets, the marriage banquet take place within the Fortress and the final fire of the Mastio. In May, the association also organizes the Palio of children, the same medieval re-enactment in costume, where the little ones become the undisputed protagonists.