Probably the most important and evocative event in Montone, and certainly the one with the greatest participation from the entire community, takes place every year traditionally on Easter Monday (the day after Easter) and during the week of the third Sunday in August. The event commemorates the arrival in the town of a sacred relic, gifted to Carlo Fortebracci in 1473 by the Most Serene Republic of Venice.
It is said that upon his arrival, the bells of all the churches began to ring joyfully. In the 17th century, the Holy Thorn was kept inside a precious silver reliquary, which still protects it today. In 1638, to prevent disorder caused by the influx of worshippers on Easter Monday, a second display was established on the penultimate Sunday of August: thus the Donation Festival was born. Every year, the celebration brings to life a historical reenactment that recalls the splendor of the Fortebracci lordship.
For days, the village comes alive with the atmosphere of the Middle Ages: citizens in historic costumes, parades, processions, medieval games, archery competitions, and challenges between the three districts of the town — Borgo, Monte, and Verziere — to win the “palio” and crown the “Castellana.”
For more information about the Historical Reenactment, visit the official website.