The Wild Boar Hunt is a historical reenactment held every year from August 12 to 15 in Mondavio, a town in the province of Pesaro-Urbino in the Marche region. The event commemorates the arrival of Giovanni Della Rovere in Mondavio in 1474, when he took possession of the vicariate — a gift from Pope Sixtus IV to mark Giovanni’s marriage to Giovanna Feltria, daughter of Federico da Montefeltro.

This vicariate was of great strategic importance, as it connected the Lordship of Senigallia to the Duchy of Urbino. The reenactment faithfully recalls the grand procession that set out from Urbino for the official takeover of these new lands, recreating — with historical accuracy — the stages of what was essentially a great celebration.

One of the most highly anticipated moments of the event is the Renaissance banquet, where for one night visitors can step back in time into a magical atmosphere. Guests, dressed in period costume, are welcomed as honored attendees at a feast hosted by a character representing Duke Giovanni della Rovere. The evening comes alive with the music of minstrels and jesters, while handmaidens and stewards serve dishes inspired by the cuisine of the 15th century. The celebration continues throughout the town, with taverns offering food and drink, performances by jugglers and blacksmiths, and a grand finale of lights and sound that culminates in fireworks and the symbolic burning of the Rocca Roveresca — the fortress built in Mondavio thanks to Giovanni Della Rovere, and a prime example of early Italian Renaissance military architecture.

The “Wild Boar Hunt” includes the banquet, traditional food served in the taverns, the Courtesan’s Garden, camp life reenactments, parades, archery and crossbow competitions, flag games and ribbon dances, actors, dancers, street performers, and music from a bygone era — evoking the splendor of the Renaissance when Mons Avium (Mondavio’s original Latin name) was at its cultural peak.

At the heart of the reenactment is the Historical Group of Archers, Crossbowmen, and the Roveresca Court, which brings the event to life. Dressed in elaborate Italian Renaissance costumes, the group includes archers, crossbowmen, swordsmen, armed guards, standard bearers, courtiers, handmaidens, drummers, trumpeters, and other performers. Their show features a costumed procession complete with drums, trumpets, banners, and bombards, and includes demonstrations of precision archery, handheld crossbow shooting, flag combat displays, mock duels with swords and staffs, courtly games with ribbons and the “great medusa,” and a final ceremonial salute accompanied by choreographed fireworks.

Visitors also have the chance to actively take part in the Renaissance atmosphere — enjoying historic dishes, witnessing period entertainment, and even dressing up in 15th-century clothing for a night.