"Notturno arquatano" copyright Giulio CC BY-NC 2.0 https://www.flickr.com/photos/giuliocarcani/2506613182 (cropped from the original)

The “Descent of Queen Giovanna” is celebrated in Arquata del Tronto. This is a historic commemoration recalling the presence of the Queen of the Kingdom of Naples, Giovanna d’Angiò, in Arquata in the 15th century. The chatelaine, infact, is said to have stayed in the fortress for 15 years (1420-1435). The characters, accurately dressed in medieval costumes, descend from the fortress to the village, where a rich banquet taakes place, gladdened by dances and street games. In addition to the obvious queen, the procession is made up of soldiers, archers, pages, ladies, flag wavers, shepherds and jesters. It is accompanied by the roll of drums which, covered by the blare of medieval trumpets, recreates a really evocative atmosphere, capable of taking the audience back 1000 years for one night. Generally, in the days immediately preceding, there are a series of "preparatory" events for the big feast. In recent years "The Night of the mysteries" has become a steady, on 18th August. This is a medieval style evening in the park of the Fortress, with entertainment such as archery, jesters and traditional music from the time.