In Sarno, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, we'll travel back in time when the streets of Sarno will breathe the tense yet captivating atmosphere of a bygone era. Starting at 20:00 PM, the local market and historic Borgo Terravecchia will become the scene of a spectacular historical reenactment: the Battle of Sarno of 1460, a crucial battle between the Angevins and the Aragonese for control of the Kingdom of Naples.
This eagerly awaited and evocative event combines history, theater, and popular participation. It is directed by the Municipality of Sarno, the Azienda Speciale Sarno Servizi Integrati, and features the valuable historical expertise of Professor Marialuisa Squitieri, author of the research "The Battle of Sarno on July 7, 1460. Reconstruction," published in Studi Storici Sarnesi.
A night of fire, steel, and memory
At 21:00 PM, the actual battle reenactment will come to life, with armed clashes, arquebusiers in action, and the final burning of Borgo Terravecchia, in one of the most iconic and compelling scenes of the entire evening. The event will be accompanied by evocative music by the "Emian" group and narration by Ennio Molisse, Alfredo Franco, and Gianmomaso Esposito, who will guide the audience through the events and characters of one of the most dramatic episodes of fifteenth-century Italy.
An exceptional cast including soldiers and flag-wavers
Starting at 20:00 PM, the public will be able to attend performances and demonstrations by historic companies, including:
- Arquebusiers “Knights of the Papal Bull AD 1394”
- Company of Arms “The Rose and the Sword”
- Flag-wavers of the "Città Regia" of Cava de' Tirreni
These events, renowned for their historical accuracy and spectacular performances, will enliven the entire village with shooting demonstrations, duels, and parades in period costume.
A free and engaging event for everyone
The entire event is free to attend and includes a local market with traditional products, crafts, and a medieval atmosphere, designed to engage visitors of all ages and make history a living, accessible, and shared experience.
Sarno tells his story
The Battle of Sarno was not only a military event, but a significant political turning point in the struggle for control of Southern Italy. The defeat suffered by Ferdinand I of Aragon at the hands of the Angevin troops was only temporary, but it left its mark on the memory of the region and on the relationships between the great noble families of the time.
Thanks to the reenactment, Sarno returns to being the protagonist of that story, offering its audience an evening of emotion, culture, and identity.
See you on Saturday, July 12th, at 20:00 PM, in Sarno. When history isn't just read: it's lived.
The article talks about an interesting event taking place in Sarno. I think it's important to remember history and engage the public, but I hope there aren't too many security issues during the reenactment, as there are always risks.