Assisi’s calendar is shaped by its dual identity as a major Catholic pilgrimage site and a proud medieval town. Religious feasts dominate, but the secular Calendimaggio festival is one of Italy’s most spectacular medieval pageants. Book accommodation 3-4 months ahead for the biggest events, especially Calendimaggio and the Feast of St. Francis. For a complete overview, see our Assisi travel guide.
Assisi Events & Festivals: Calendimaggio (First Week of May)
Calendimaggio is Assisi’s biggest secular festival, running from the first Thursday to Saturday of May. The town splits into two rival factions, the Parte de Sopra (Upper Town) and Parte de Sotto (Lower Town), who compete in medieval games, costumed parades, flag-throwing displays, crossbow contests, and night-time processions with torches and drums. The festival recreates 14th-century Assisi life with extraordinary attention to costume detail. The final evening Corteo di Calendimaggio procession and the awarding of the Palio banner are the highlights. All events are free and held in the streets and piazzas. The town is packed; arrive by mid-morning to find parking. For more information, see our Assisi weather by month.
Assisi Events & Festivals: Feast of St. Francis (October 3-4)
October 4 marks the death of St. Francis in 1226 and is Assisi’s most important religious holiday. On October 3, the bishop leads a candlelit procession from Santa Maria degli Angeli to the Basilica of St. Francis. On October 4, a solemn Mass is celebrated in the Upper Basilica, attended by Franciscan friars from around the world. The entire town takes on a reverent atmosphere. Hotels fill with pilgrims and religious tour groups. The Olive Oil Fair (Fiera dell’Olio) often coincides with this weekend, celebrating the new olive harvest with tastings and street stalls. For more information, see our best time to visit Assisi.
Assisi Events & Festivals: Feast of the Pardon (August 1-2)
The Feast of the Pardon of Assisi (Perdono di Assisi) commemorates the indulgence granted by Pope Honorius III in 1216 at St. Francis’s request. Pilgrims who visit the Porziuncola chapel at Santa Maria degli Angeli between noon on August 1 and midnight on August 2 can receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (confession, communion, prayers for the Pope). The feast draws thousands of pilgrims. Special Masses run throughout the 36-hour window. The basilica stays open continuously. Expect long queues for the Porziuncola chapel. For more information, see our things to do in Assisi.
Assisi Events & Festivals: Easter Week (March or April)
Holy Week in Assisi features solemn processions through the medieval streets. The Good Friday procession moves from the Cathedral of San Rufino to the Basilica of St. Francis by candlelight. On Easter Sunday morning, the procession of the Risen Christ fills Piazza del Comune. The basilicas host special liturgies throughout the Triduum (Thursday to Sunday). Book accommodation at least 2 months ahead. This is the busiest religious period of the year, comparable to the Feast of St. Francis. For more information, see our Assisi neighborhoods guide.
Assisi Events & Festivals: Other Notable Events
The March for Peace from Perugia to Assisi (Marcia Perugia-Assisi della Pace) takes place every two years on a Sunday in October (next edition: October 2027). About 100,000 participants walk the 24km route from Perugia to Assisi. The Feast of St. Clare (August 11) features a Mass at the Basilica of Santa Chiara and a procession through the old town. The Feast of St. Rufinus, Assisi’s patron saint, is on August 12. The Assisi Antiquariato antiques fair fills the streets on the third Sunday of each month. During the Christmas season (December 8 to January 6), a large nativity scene and Christmas market occupy Piazza del Comune. For more information, see our where to stay in Assisi. For details, see our Assisi travel tips.
