Giostra della Quintana
Every September, Foligno's central piazza transforms into a 17th-century tournament ground where ten rival rioni field armoured knights galloping at a hanging ring. It is one of Italy's most authentic and electrifying historical re-enactments, drawing crowds from across Umbria and beyond.
The Tournament Itself
The Giostra della Quintana is held twice a year — a preview in June and the main event in September — in the vast Piazza della Repubblica, which is temporarily converted into a sand-covered jousting arena ringed by flag-wavers in period costume.
Each of Foligno's ten historic neighbourhoods fields a knight who must spear a small ring suspended from the statue of a Saracen warrior at full gallop. The margin between victory and defeat is often millimetres, making the tension unbearable and the crowd noise deafening.
The Corteo Storico Procession
Before the joust, some 800 costumed participants parade through the medieval streets in a corteo storico that reconstructs the court of Federico II Barnabò. Velvet doublets, gilded armour and hand-sewn brocade gowns make every corner of the old town feel like a film set.
Arrive early to watch the flag-throwers — sbandieratori — rehearse in Piazza San Domenico; their precision routines are a spectacle in their own right and completely free to observe.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for the grandstand sell out weeks in advance; book through the official Giostra della Quintana website as soon as dates are announced. Standing areas along the barriers are free but offer a partial view.
Stay in the historic centre so you can walk to the arena and linger in the post-joust street parties, where winning rioni celebrate with drums, wine and impromptu singing until midnight.
Giostra della Quintana on video
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