The Umbrian town of Narni will be transformed into a living medieval stage from April 23 to May 10, as it hosts the 58th edition of the Corsa all’Anello (Ring Race), one of Italy’s most immersive historical re-enactments.

For 18 consecutive days, the town, known in Roman times with its Latin name Narnia, and widely credited as the inspiration behind C.S. Lewis’s fictional world in The Chronicles of Narnia, will recreate life in the 14th century, with hundreds of costumed participants, traditional ceremonies, and bustling markets filling its narrow streets and squares.

A city-wide journey into the past

Based on a 1371 civic statute, the festival revives the social and cultural fabric of medieval Narni. Visitors can expect a full-scale transformation of the historic centre, with artisan workshops, period taverns, and performances recreating daily life of the era.

Organisers say the event stands out for its scale and authenticity, turning the entire town into what they describe as an “open-air historical stage.” The setting, with its preserved medieval architecture, provides a natural backdrop for the festivities.

“The Corsa all’Anello represents a major cultural and identity-driven event for Narni,” said Patrizia Nannini, president of the festival. “For 18 days, the town relives its history and allows visitors to experience the magic of Italian medieval traditions.”

Spectacle and competition

The highlight of the festival will take place on May 10 at the Campo de li Giochi, where the titular Corsa all’Anello sees horsemen from the town’s three districts compete in a jousting-style contest. Riders must spear a small, suspended ring with their lance while galloping at speed.

On the eve of the race, more than 800 participants will take part in a large-scale night-time historical procession through the town, described by organisers as the largest of its kind in Italy.

Throughout the festival, visitors can also explore medieval markets, taste historically inspired dishes in taverns run by local districts, and attend musical and theatrical performances staged across the town.

With strong community participation and a focus on historical detail, the Corsa all’Anello has become one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural festivals, blending spectacle, heritage, and local tradition into a single extended celebration.