{"id":4598,"date":"2026-09-01T13:00:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T13:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ace20.it\/tra-storia-e-innovazione-cosi-orte-valorizza-lottava-di-santegidio\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T19:17:29","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T19:17:29","slug":"tra-storia-e-innovazione-cosi-orte-valorizza-lottava-di-santegidio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ace20.it\/en\/tra-storia-e-innovazione-cosi-orte-valorizza-lottava-di-santegidio\/","title":{"rendered":"Between History and Innovation: How Orte Enhances the Ottava di Sant\u2019Egidio"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Between History and Innovation: How Orte Enhances the Ottava di Sant\u2019Egidio<\/b><\/h1>

The Ottava di Sant\u2019Egidio<\/i> represents one of the most evocative and deeply rooted moments in the history and identity of the city of Orte. It is a historical reenactment of extraordinary cultural importance with roots in the Middle Ages, celebrating its prestigious 55th edition this year.<\/p>

The solemnity of the event was officially recognized in 1396 by Pope Boniface IX, who granted the celebration the same indulgences as the Porziuncola of Assisi, elevating Orte to a major center of spiritual and civic attraction. The devotion and organization of the festival were so central to the community that they were rigorously codified in the city’s statutes of the era.<\/p>

Historical Tradition and Origins<\/b><\/h4>

In the 14th century, the celebrations involved the entire social structure of the city. The climax was marked by a solemn procession attended by all city magistracies and the sixteen guild crafts.<\/p>

Alongside religious rites, the city came alive with highly skilled competitions: ring horse races\u2014for which the 1359 Statutes designated a dedicated site, the equinum<\/i>\u2014crossbow shooting contests, foot races, and the famous boat regattas on the Tiber River, known as the “Ludi Tiberini” or “Le Calate” (the descents), named for the large crowds descending to the riverbanks to cheer on their champions. Accompanying the eight days of festivities was the renowned “Fiera dei Campanelli” (Fair of the Bells), a major goods and livestock market whose echo resonated as far as Perugia and Norcia.<\/p>

The Ottava Today: The Seven Contrade<\/b><\/h4>

Today, the residents of Orte keep this solemn tradition alive. The city is historically divided into seven contrade<\/i>(districts): San Gregorio, Porcini, Sant\u2019Angelo, San Giovenale, Olivole, San Biagio, and San Sebastiano.<\/p>

From August 31st to the second Sunday of September, city life transforms: each day, a different district animates the streets with ancient music, street performances, historical parades, and the opening of traditional taverns offering local culinary specialties. Among the most significant religious and civic events are the Blessing of the Banners in the Cathedral and the Oath of the Podest\u00e0.<\/p>

The moment of peak tension and excitement coincides with the final day: the Palio degli Arcieri<\/i> (Archers’ Contest). Archers from the seven districts compete in the main square for the highly coveted silver ring, using exclusively medieval-crafted wooden bows, while a grand procession of men and women in exquisite 14th-century costumes looks on.<\/p>

The Role of Ente Ottava, ACe20, and Lighthouse<\/b><\/h4>

All complex operations and initiatives ensuring the success of the Ottava di Sant\u2019Egidio<\/i> are promoted and coordinated by the Ente Ottava Medievale<\/i>. In recent years, event management has taken a major leap in quality thanks to a strategic partnership with ACe20<\/b>, operating across several key fronts:<\/p>