Since 1972, each year on 8th June, on the occasion of the feast of the patron Saint, San Severino Bishop, the local Palio Association, supported by the Municipality, organizes the historical reenactment of the Palio dei Castelli, with celebrations that go on for ten days or so. Costumes, sounds, popular games and gastronomy recreate the period of the Renaissance during which the Smeducci family dominated.
Dated 1984 is the official recognition of the Palio dei Castelli which in 1987 was joined by the Corsa delle Torri (Run of the Towers) that is actually the closing event of the festivities, that since 1990 take place in the beautiful Piazza del Popolo.
In order to win the Palio, the Castles and Town districts compete, besides the games of tug of war, archery and others, in a very spectacular competition called Corsa delle Torri, with teams of eight athletes who compete by chasing along the ring of the square and carrying to shoulder a heavy tower depicting their own castle.
The offer of the Candles to San Severino is another crucial moment of the re-enactment which takes place in memory of the donation of the Smeducci family to the guardians of the shrine on Mount Black of a wax sculpture representing a part of their castle. The Offer of the Candles is after the historic procession with over a thousand people in medieval costumes, accompanied by the sound of trumpets and drummers, walking along the streets of the centre to Piazza del Popolo.