Montopoli Medioevo

In Montopoli in Val d’Arno, on September 12 and 13, Montopoli Medioevo – Historical Reenactment and Archery Challenge returns, with the event taking the village back to the heart of the Late Middle Ages through processions, costumes, music, challenges and scenes of everyday life.

The re-enactment takes its cue from the history of Montopoli, a town that in 1412 was divided by the Podestà Jacopo degli Albizi into 2 populations, in the districts of Perinsù and Peringiù, which are still the protagonists of the festival today. 
A different theme is chosen for each edition, in evoking episodes related to the village’s past, from the Pace di Montopoli (with the signing of a peace treaty between many Tuscan towns whose delegates gathered here) to Machiavelli’s visit.

Over 2 days the town comes to life with over 300 paraders in costume, including flag-wavers, drummers, clarion-players, street performers, archers, historical dancers and groups arriving from all over Tuscany and beyond. Costumes, weapons and artifacts are the result of in-depth research and iconography regarding the Late Middle Ages period, so as to build an evocative and consistent atmosphere.

The highlight comes on the Sunday, with the Archery Challenge between the Contrada (District) of Santo Stefano, representing Perinsù with the colors white and red, and the Contrada of San Giovanni, representing Peringiù in yellow and black. 
The event is one of the longest-running historical reenactments in Tuscany.