Cultural Travel ideasStep back in time to rediscover traditions and ancient crafts, relive historical moments, or simply learn about life in the past.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in one of the many historical events that take place in Emilia-Romagna: you can choose from Palio competitions, jousts, historical or religious re-enactments, fairs and festivals.
From the Celts to the Etruscans, from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages, from the Renaissance to the Risorgimento: there are plenty of opportunities to spend a weekend immersed in culture and history.
Here is the calendar of events, organized by province.
Historical re-enactments nearby Reggio Emilia
MATILDIC HISTORICAL PARADE
When: 24-25-26 May 2024
Where: Quattro Castella (RE)
4 days to relive the atmosphere of the Matildic period.
Every year, the Corteo Storico Matildico brings together over 1,000 extras in period costume to re-enact the episode of Matilde of Canossa’s appointment as Vicar of the Empire, which took place in Quattro Castella in May 1111.
The 6,000-square-metre historical village features reproductions of military camps and camp life, medieval dinners, guided tours, art markets, shows, archery tournaments, parades, performances by flag-wavers and musicians from the four districts.
Also on the programme is the Quintana dell’anello, a game of skill for horsemen in which participants have to thread the rings with a lance, and the Gran Passo d’Armi, known as the Gioco del Ponte.
Corteo Storico Matildico | Ph. Comitato Italiano Associazioni Nazionali Storiche via Facebook
Corteo Storico Matildico | Ph. Maria Cristina Bedani via Facebook
Corteo Storico Matildico | Ph. Maria Cristina Bedani via Facebook
Corteo Storico Matildico | Ph. Maria Cristina Bedani via Facebook
THE TABLE OF BYZANTIUM
When: 12-13-14 July 2024
Where: Baiso (RE)
An in-depth study of the heritage of the early Middle Ages from a cultural, geopolitical and gastronomic point of view.
An event dedicated to medieval history, with particular reference to the 6th to 8th centuries, when the territories between the Enza and Panaro rivers were disputed between the Eastern Roman Empire and the population of Germanic origin, the Lombards.
Historical re-enactments nearby Modena
FINALESTENSE
When: 21-22-23 June 2024
Where: Finale Emilia (MO)
Three days of Renaissance charm and folklore.
Finale Emilia, around 1500, was under the rule of the Este family. The events include the Paladins’ Tournament, an equestrian show based on the characters from Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso; the Palio delle Cerchi, with games of challenge and period-themed shows; numerous historical military groups, artisan guilds, and the Renaissance historical market.
Finalestense | Ph. Giulio Pola via Facebook
Finalestense | Ph. Giulio Pola via Facebook
Finalestense | Ph. Giulio Pola via Facebook
Finalestense | Ph. Giulio Pola via Facebook
MUTINA BOICA
When: 5-6-7-8 September 2024
Where: Modena
Ten days to discover the origins of Mutina, the ancient name of Modena.
The event, dedicated to the foundation of the Roman colony of Modena, offers the opportunity to visit reconstructed Roman camps, witness open-air battles, enjoy historical re-enactments and equestrian games, and take part in workshops for adults and children.
Mutina Boica | Ph. Pervenio via Facebook
Mutina Boica | via Facebook
Mutina Boica | Ph. Daniela Ori via Facebook
Mutina Boica | via Facebook
Historical re-enactments nearby Bologna
4 STEPS INTO THE MIDDLE AGES
When: 4-5 May 2024
Where: Crevalcore (BO)
A festival to understand and perhaps reassess the Middle Ages as an important part of our history.
At the Ronchi Castle in Crevalcore, the Middle Ages, specifically the period between 1380 and 1410, come to life. Thanks to the large encampment, animated by craftsmen and merchants, armed men & common people, visitors can witness scenes of daily life.
At the historical market, artisans display and demonstrate their ancient works, while the re-enactment of the battle commemorates the event of 1390 when Crevalcore was the stage of the conflict between the army of Duke Alberico da Barbiano, commander of the Bologna’s troops, and the Visconti army.
4passinelmedioevo, Torneo di tiro con l'arco Ph. Tizioano Capelli via Facebook
4passinelmedioevo via Facebook
4passinelmedioevo via Facebook
4passinelmedioevo via Facebook
THE FIRES OF TARANIS
When: 28-29-30 June and 5-6-7 July 2024
Where: Monterenzio (BO)
An authentic leap in time between Celts, Romans, and Etruscans.
It’s a magical place where ancient cultures that once flourished in the region come together to remind us that we are the result of a fusion of different entities.
Along the river and next to the Archaeological Museum, you can immerse yourself in a world of archaeology, music, dance, shows, gastronomy, crafts, and historical re-enactments.
MEDIEVAL HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENT
When: 23-24 August 2024
Where: Castel di Casio (BO)
Two days to step back into the thirteenth century.
The inhabitants of the village shed their modern clothes and put on those of the past when the village was the seat of the Capitanato della Montagna.
During the costume parade, the center is traversed by nobles, commoners, clergy, pilgrims, jesters, fire-eaters, flag-wavers, minstrels, guards, soldiers, lepers, witches…
Under the tower, juggling, falconry, medieval music, duels & fights are constantly on show.
Rievocazione Medioevale Castel di Casio via Facebook
Rievocazione Medioevale Castel di Casio via Facebook
Rievocazione Medioevale Castel di Casio via Facebook
Rievocazione Medioevale Castel di Casio via Facebook
8CENTO: THE BATTLE OF THE MONTAGNOLA
When: 7-8 September 2024
Where: Bologna
A reenactment of the historical memory of the Risorgimento.
The association 8cento APS (in collaboration with the Civic Museum of the Risorgimento – Certosa of Bologna and the Institute for the History of the Italian Risorgimento – Bologna Committee) organizes a calendar of initiatives, this year focused on 19th-century women.
In particular, on 8 September at 4 p.m., the Battle of Montagnola will be re-enacted in Nicholas Green Park: a hundred actors dressed in period uniforms and civilian clothes will re-enact the battle of 8 August 1848, when the people of Bologna drove the Austrian troops out of the city. The day before, 7 September, at 3 pm, a parade in Via Indipendenza with scenes of the battles that took place in the city.
8cento APS, Battaglia della Montagnola via Facebook
8cento APS, Battaglia della Montagnola via Facebook
8cento APS, Battaglia della Montagnola via Facebook
8cento APS, Battaglia della Montagnola via Facebook
LEGIONS IN AGRO BOIORUM
When: 13-14-15 September 2024
Where: Castenaso (BO)
The legions of Rome in the land of the Boii Gauls.
This is the name of the historical re-enactment inspired by the battle between the army of the Roman consul Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica and the Gallic army, an event that gave birth to the town of Castenaso.
In fact, the name Castenaso derives from the Latin “Castrum Nasicae”, due to the camp (castrum) built in 189 BC by the Roman consul Nasica, who stayed in this place, on the right bank of the river Idice, for a whole winter before facing the Gallic army, which was encamped on the opposite bank.
During the three-day event, it’s possible to immerse oneself in history, with camps, workshops, ancient crafts and performances, gladiatorial shows, and much more.
Historical re-enactments nearby Ferrara
PALIO OF FERRARA
When: from 10 to 25 May 2024
Where: Ferrara
A packed schedule of events for the Palio, which boasts the title of the oldest in the world.
Established to celebrate Azzo VII “Novello d’Este” in 1259, it’s important to clarify that there are actually four Palios contested in Piazza Ariostea, corresponding to the districts and boroughs participating: the green one (Maidens’ race), the red one (Youths’ Race), the white one (Donkeys’ Race), and finally, the yellow or golden one (Horses’ Race). Competitions for flag-wavers and musicians are also planned, in addition to Historical Parades.
Ente Palio della città di Ferrara via Facebook
Ente Palio della città di Ferrara via Facebook
Ente Palio della città di Ferrara via Facebook
Ente Palio della città di Ferrara via Facebook
POMPOSIA IMPERIALIS ABBATIA
When: to be defined
Where: Codigoro (FE)
A journey through time among mysteries and intrigues to discover the life of Guido Musico, the inventor of the musical note.
It was the year 1001 when Emperor Otto III arrived in Pomposa after a long journey through marshes, valleys, woods, and ancient walls.
The performance, in period costumes, recreates famous and significant episodes in the history of the Abbey of Pomposa and daily life. Medieval markets and themed musical entertainment accompany the show.
MONK JOUSTING
When: to be defined
Where: Ferrara
Eleven intense days dedicated to the re-enactment of typical medieval life in Ferrara.
In the evocative setting of the Baluardo di Santa Maria della Fortezza in Viale IV Novembre in Ferrara, a re-enactment inspired by the history of the war between Azzo VII d’Este and Ezzelino II da Romano, Lord of Treviso, known as the Monk, which led to the subsequent Este family rule over Ferrara.
The two main events are the Giostra del Monaco, an equestrian tournament with iron clubs, and the re-enactment of the battle of Cassano d’Adda, in which Azzo VII finally triumphed over Ezzelino da Romano.
There will also be a medieval encampment with scenes of daily life, fights between knights, archery, and crossbow tournaments.
Ph. lagiostradelmonaco.it
Ph. lagiostradelmonaco.it
Ph. lagiostradelmonaco.it
Ph. lagiostradelmonaco.it
Historical re-enactments nearby Ravenna
PILGRIM FESTIVAL
When: 19-20-21 April 2024
Where: Faenza (RA)
Discover life in Faenza during the Middle Ages.
The Pilgrimage Festival is a historical event organized by the Rione Rosso (Red District), one of the five districts into which Faenza has always been divided.
The event aims to re-enact the life of Faentines in the Middle Ages, in the ancient suburb of Ganga, to enhance the cultural heritage of the area and the people who lived there.
CONTESA ESTENSE TOWN OF LUGO
When: from 11 to 19 May 2024
Where: Lugo (RA)
Nine days to discover what Lugo was like during the Estense reign.
Every year in mid-May, Lugo is populated by characters from the past: flag-wavers, musicians, armourers, ladies and gentlemen of the past.
The event commemorates the festive days of 1471, when Borso d’Este, on his way to Rome to receive the imprimatur as Duke of Ferrara from Pope Paul II, gave prestige to the city by staying overnight at the Castle of Lugo.
The main competitions that make up the Palio Contesa Estense are the Palio Sbandieratori (11 May), the Palio dei Musici (18 May), the Historical Procession and the Palio della Soave Creatura (15 May), and the Palio della Caveja (19 May), a tug-of-war between the 4 districts of the city.
THE GOLDEN BIGORDA
When: 8 June 2024
Where: Faenza (RA)
A glimpse of the future jockeys of the Palio del Niballo.
A version of the Palio del Niballo dedicated to the youth is the Tournament of the Golden Bigorda, which takes place in the five districts of Faenza.
Here the future jockeys of the Palio compete for the bigorda, a ceramic lance with a golden tip, which in Provençal also means a type of light lance used in modern jousting.
NIBALLO – PALIO OF FAENZA
When: 23 June 2024
Where: Faenza (RA)
The fifteenth-century joust that still arouses strong emotions today.
One of the oldest medieval tournaments in Italy, known as the Giostra del Barbarossa or the Quintana del Niballo, dates back to 1164, when Emperor Federico Barbarossa passed through Faenza. The five districts of the city compete for the trophy.
The Palio is preceded by the Flag-waving Tournament (the weekend before) and by a historical procession that figuratively recreates the military, civil, and social life of the fifteenth century.
THE MAD CHARIOT RACE
When: 6 September 2024
Where: Faenza (RA)
A challenge between crews consisting of a chariot pulled by two boys and driven by a charioteer.
The 20th edition of this historic event brings back the splendor of the ancient Roman Empire by recreating the atmosphere of a Roman forum in Piazza del Popolo, complete with stalls and evocative scenery, with the participation of historical re-enactment groups from other cities.
THE FAIR OF SAN ROCCO
When: 2-3 November 2024
Where: Faenza (RA)
Two days to relive the fair of a medieval village.
The ancient Fair of San Rocco dates back to the 15th century and was held for a few weeks at the beginning of November around the Romanesque bell tower of the monastery of Santa Maria Foris Portam in Faenza.
Today, the event comes to life again with scenes that take visitors back in time, including weapon games, white arm duels, flag games, archery and crossbow competitions in a specially prepared medieval encampment.
Historical re-enactments nearby Forlì-Cesena
A DAY IN THE FORTRESS OF FORLIMPOPOLI
When: 10-11-12 May 2024
Where: Forlimpopoli (FC)
Four days when the town is catapulted into the Renaissance.
A 16th-century event is re-enacted: the celebration of the return of Bruno Il Zampeschi, husband of the controversial Battistina Savelli, who returned victorious from the battle with the Huguenots in France.
A journey back in time with flag-wavers and drummers, historical processions, merchants, witches, craftsmen and charlatans, markets, and historical dinners at the Hostaria del Pellegrino.
EIGHT CASTLES FOR A PALIO
When: 18-19 May 2024
Where: Meldola (FC)
A weekend in the green meadows of the castles, among merchants and exhibitions.
Horses and horsemen, falconers and musicians, dancers and jugglers, a kitchen in constant ferment to produce tasty dishes: this is what awaits visitors at the gates of the Rocca delle Caminate Park.
GIOSTRA ALL’INCONTRO
When: from 31 August to 8 September 2024
Where: Cesena
The time of the knights lives again in Cesena.
A historical event dedicated to the Palio di Cesena, the tournament in which knights in armour and lance fought to defeat each other. In addition to the knights’ tournament, the program includes an exhibition on the history of the event, a procession in historical costume to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Mountain, conferences and guided tours, a historical-theatrical show, the performance of the flag-wavers and the animation of the historic center with drummers and clarinets.
PALIO OF SANTA REPARATA
When: 1 September 2024
Where: Terra del Sole (FC)
A Palio with a Tuscan flavour.
The 61st edition of the Palio di Santa Reparata is traditionally held on the first Sunday in September in the ancient town of Terra del Sole, desired by Cosimo I de’ Medici and part of Tuscany until 1923. During the event, Roman and Florentine villages compete in an ancient crossbow competition to win the banner with the image of the saint.
From 10 am, opening of the historical Renaissance and handicrafts market. Possibility of lunch in the bettola of Palazzo Pretorio or in the restaurants and taverns inside the fortress.
At 4 p.m. start of the Palio, with costumed parades of 300 participants, tug-of-war competitions, flag games and finally the challenge between the crossbowmen of the two rival boroughs.
Palio Di Santa Reparata
Palio Di Santa Reparata via Facebook
Palio Di Santa Reparata via Facebook
Palio Di Santa Reparata via Facebook
FALCHI ET ARCHI
When: 7-8 September 2024
Where: Meldola (FC)
A weekend to learn archery.
Just hear the distant sound of a horn and the whistle of arrows and you’ll know you’re in the right place to feel like a modern-day Robin Hood, and maybe even become one.
Numerous activities from the past to admire and try out: from archery competitions to axe throwing on a stump and other medieval games.
Falconry demonstrations, historical and equestrian hunting simulations, medieval fencing workshops, even for children, and medieval markets to return home with the title of knight!
Historical re-enactments nearby Rimini
PROCESSION OF THE JEWS
When: 29 March 2024
Where: Pennabilli (RN)
The Passion of Christ in a village of rare and unique charm.
The place, the dim lights of the night, the sounds, and the rituals: all these give emotional force to this ancient, sacred nightly representation of Good Friday, the Procession of the Jews.
The whole medieval village is illuminated only by torches, ancient lanterns, and blazing braziers, giving a solemn atmosphere to the parade of participants dressed in 16th-century costumes, accompanied by medieval chants and prayers.
PALIO DE LO DAINO
When: 15-16-17-18 August 2024
Where: Mondaino (RN)
Four days to return to the times of the Malatesta and Montefeltro families.
The celebrations commemorate the distant day in 1459 when Count Federico da Montefeltro met Sigismondo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini, and sealed the peace between the two lordships.
The highlight of the event is when the districts of Mondaino – Borgo, Castello, Contado and Montebello – compete in the Palio to win the coveted title.
The event also features historical re-enactment groups, craftsmen, musicians, singers and jugglers, as well as shows and tasty refreshments.
LEARN MORE
Palio del Daino via Facebook
Palio del Daino via Facebook
Palio del Daino via Facebook
Palio del Daino via Facebook
Author
You may also like
Between Competition and History: Palios in Emilia-Romagna
by Giulia Delaini /// March 1, 2018
Six Legends and Curiosities You May Not Know About Emilia-Romagna
by Giulia Delaini /// March 9, 2018
Interested in our newsletter?
Every first of the month, an email (in Italian) with selected contents and upcoming events.
Discover Emilia Romagna from above – On top of Towers and Bell towers
by Elisa Mazzini /// October 24, 2018
Castles with ghosts in Italy – a thrilling experience in Emilia Romagna
by Elisa Mazzini /// October 22, 2020
Between Competition and History: Palios in Emilia-Romagna
by Giulia Delaini /// March 1, 2018
Six Legends and Curiosities You May Not Know About Emilia-Romagna
by Giulia Delaini /// March 9, 2018
Discover Emilia Romagna from above – On top of Towers and Bell towers
by Elisa Mazzini /// October 24, 2018
Castles with ghosts in Italy – a thrilling experience in Emilia Romagna
by Elisa Mazzini /// October 22, 2020