La Giostra della Quintana: An epic jousting tournament that celebrates Foligno’s rich history

The event is hosted at the “Campo de li Giochi” (Field of the Games) in the ancient town of Foligno (Umbria) twice a year.

“La Sfida” (The Challenge), takes place on a Saturday night in late June, while the second race, “La Rivincita” (The Revenge) occurs on a Sunday afternoon in early September.

While the tournament dates back to 1448, it was only in 1613 that the carnival atmosphere was incorporated, and later revived in 1946.

In modern times, the contest is accompanied by a range of festivities over the summer season, while the evening before the battle features a parade of over 600 people who fill the streets of the ancient town in 17^th century costumes.

The event has become one of the most renowned races in the peninsular, and is commonly referred to as the “Olympics of equestrian competitions”.

In the medieval-inspired race, 10 knights representing the 10 different districts of the town ride on horseback in 17^th century costumes, displaying great skill and finesse.

The riders, who each adopt a “fake name” during the competition, must gallop around a track with a figure of eight design and thread nine rings with their lance, three for each round.

During each round, the rings decrease in diameter, requiring more precision from the competitors.

For the first round the ring is 8cm, reducing to 6cm in the second round and 5cm in the final round.

The rings hang from a hook on the outstretched arm of a 17^th century oak statue at the centre of the stadium.

In the other hand, the statue, which is commonly referred to as the “Quintana”, holds a shield displaying the insignia of Foligno.

The name “Quintana” refers to the fifth street of the Roman military camp, where the soldiers were trained in lance fighting.

Armed with a lance, the Roman soldiers would charge towards a puppet, called “Saracino” (Saracen), attempting to thread a ring from the arm of the dummy.

In the modern battle, the knight who completes the course in the least amount of time and with the fewest penalties is named the victor and awarded the “Palio della Quintana” that evening.

While this symbolic competition may have carried political undertones during the time of its origins - perhaps serving to elevate a particular family in the societal hierarchy - the modern reenactment is purely an opportunity to unite the community in a period of festivity, and an occasion in celebration of the town’s vibrant history, as well as a major tourist attraction.