by Maurizio Senigagliesi
The event "500 Years in Five Hundred" took place in Fermo on July 19 and 20, 2025. The event was conceived by Friar Sergio Lorenzini, Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Friars of the Marche, creator and founder of the Capuchin Way and author of "The Spirit of the Capuchins," in collaboration with the Coordination Committee of the Provinces of Ascoli Piceno and Fermo.
The first crews arrived on Saturday afternoon, meeting in Piazza del Popolo. Some visited the Fermo Museums: the Roman Cisterns (30 rooms divided into three rows for a total of approximately 2.200 square meters) and the Palazzo dei Priori, built in the early 3th century, with ancient rooms and paintings. A special highlight is the globe made by geographer Silvestro Amanzio Maroncelli from wood and royal Fabriano paper, housed in the Hall of the same name.
Around 6:00 PM, the participants moved to Lido di Fermo for dinner at the San Michele Social Center. Then, the crews and Brother Sergio opened the 21st Summer Carnival parade along the seafront; there were 21 floats and groups. At the end of the evening, Deputy Mayor Mauro Torresi awarded Brother Sergio and myself.
On Sunday 20th July from 8am, the crews (70) returned to Piazza del Popolo in Fermo, where they received a rich welcome bag with typical products from the Marche region and gadgets offered by the pastry chef Roberto Cantolacqua, by Mastro Casareccio, Lia Lab, Pasta di Camerino, Mafra, Micarelli Costruzioni, Sorbatti Cappellificio, Ilario Stella, Nerea and EZR.
At 10am Brother Sergio illustrated the project “500 in five hundred” (https://cappuccini500.it/in-cinquecento/) in the San Gregorio Hall: the idea of a slow journey through the ancient history of the Capuchin Friars Minor, which began in the Marche region five hundred years ago and continues today throughout the world. A story to be discovered on a journey far from the mass tourism circuit, exploring the small villages and cities of the Marche region. The project, sponsored by the Fiat 500 Club Italia, will be aimed at lovers of vintage Fiat 4s and includes the creation of four itineraries to visit the 55 places that have hosted the Capuchins over the course of five centuries, discovering the tangible and intangible heritage of each. The program also includes gatherings at the most significant sites in the history of the Order.
The event continued with the "Champions' Breakfast" hosted by Copagri, featuring typical agricultural products from the Marche region. This was followed by a performance in Piazza del Popolo by flag-wavers, drummers, and participants from the San Martino neighborhood, members of the Cavalcata dell'Assunta (Assumption Day Parade). Thanks to Mauro Torresi, Stefano Lignite (vice president of the Cavalcata dell'Assunta), and Alessandro Montagnoli of the San Martino neighborhood.
Also present in the square were several ladies weaving straw hats from the Jervicella straw. It was significant and touching that some grandmothers worked alongside their granddaughters, to whom they passed on this art. Their participation was made possible by the Montappone Hat Museum and Mayor Mario Clementi.
Around 11:00 a.m., the crews toured the city and arrived at the Cathedral to attend Holy Mass presided over by Brother Sergio Lorenzini, who blessed the crews and vehicles before the ceremony. At 1:00 p.m., the cars paraded from the Cathedral to Piazza del Popolo, heading to the Astoria Restaurant. They were escorted along the way by a tow truck from the Capozucca company of Civitanova Marche.
During lunch, I thanked the trustees present: Matteo Cotrufo, Felice Cafagna, Claudio Parascandalo, Donatella Sambuchi, Stefano Solazzi, and Mirko Mancinelli, offering them a cutting board featuring a Fiat 500, made by "Il Mago del Legno." Special thanks to Elga Design for the cutting boards in the shape of the Marche region, which awarded Claudio Parascandalo for the furthest distance traveled from the South, Maurizio Candini for the furthest distance from the North, and Francesco Sanna for the furthest distance from the Center. Also receiving awards were the most experienced pilot, Benito Antinori, and the youngest, Emanuela Traini and Ilenia Biceglia. Additional prizes were awarded to the largest group (from Puglia) and the first lady (Donatella Sambuchi). Three couples who participated in the "blow out the candles together" game were also honored. Finally, the foreign participants, Virginie Angot (France) and Peter Kern (Germany), were also honored. Other prizes also brightened up the lunch: a beautiful painting made with a Fiat 500 against a backdrop of Fermo and objects from numerous companies.
These two unforgettable days, full of art, worship, solidarity, friendship and passion, were made possible thanks to the commitment of the local trustees, the referents and the large family of members of the Fiat 500 Club Italia.
We will see you next year, with the continuation of this splendid journey in the province of Ascoli Piceno, always with “Cinquecento in 500” towards Camerino 2028 (photos 33-34-35).
Maurizio Senigagliesi
Thanks
For the gifts, we would like to thank: Malagrida Maglificio, Tomas Cashmere, 180° Gradi Pane e Dolci, Pastificio Marilungo, Di Mauro and La Campofilone, Lattanzi Garden and Nurseries, Il Grillo Ristorante, Tre Filari Vini, Salumi Coati, Andreassi and Conca D'Oro Olive Oils, Vino Cotto di Caonà, Cantina Dei Colli Ripani, Antigone Massaggi, the Dental Practices of Dr. Pilato Paolo and Dr. Stefano Grande Castellani, Mulino Marzetti, FD Ricambi, and finally Banco Marchigiano. Special thanks go to Melatini Service Auto of Potenza Picena and Mafra (automotive products) for their availability.
Special thanks to the Municipality of Fermo for their patronage, collaboration, and professionalism, especially Mayor Paolo Calcinaro, Deputy Mayor Mauro Torresi, Tourism Councilor Annalisa Cerretani, Deputy Chief of the Local Police Fabrizio Stanghetta, and the many young municipal employees.
To Don Vincenzo and Raffaela Lale, who made the conference possible at the church of San Gregorio and who, along with many others, work with Famiglia Nuova, an association that focuses on emotional, socio-family relationships and much more, with experts in the field.
I thank Fra Sergio Lorenzini, Mirko Mancinelli, Alessia Malena, Andrea Piccinini, Virginie Angot and Giovanni, Giuliano Carletti and Milena, Giuliano Tiberi and Rosita, Giuseppe Mandolini, Giovanna Senigagliesi, and everyone who contributed to the event. Finally, 500 thanks to my nephew Alessandro, my daughter Michela, Fabiola, Giuseppe, and Loris.
The event was professionally documented by Stefano Galassi Foto.Grafia of Porto Recanati, who, thanks to various collaborations, provided all crews with a folder containing two free photos. Thanks for the live TV coverage of www.radiostudio7.net.
