LA GIOSTRA DELLA QUINTANA

17-18 SEPTEMBER 2022

In September the Giostra della Quintana takes place in Foligno, a chivalrous tournament in costume in which the 10 districts of Foligno compete

Traditionally it is held twice a year: in June the Challenge, in September the revenge

The 2 weeks preceding the Joust, the city comes alive with the opening of 10 taverns in the city’s 10 districts, where you can taste 17th century recipes prepared with local products.

On Friday the city of Foligno traditionally becomes the setting for a great historical parade in which hundreds of costumed figures participate.

Saturday is competition day.

The competition consists in making 3 laps on horseback of the ancient stadium of Foligno (Campo de li Giochi) in the shortest possible time, inserting three times with the spear a ring hanging from a statue of the god Mars (the so-called “quintanone”) without receiving penalty. The diameter of the ring decreases progressively in the three turns (6 cm, 5.5 cm, 5 cm). The rider who finishes the course without penalty and in the shortest time wins.

The first testimony of the Quintana di Foligno dates back to 1613. The current version dates back to 1946.

The name Quintana derives from the 5th street of the Roman camp, the one where soldiers were trained to fight with spears.