Giostra della Quintana - Foligno
Like other knighthood tournaments the Giostra della Quintana is
an unfailing appointment for the city of Foligno and for those visiting
Umbria. Since some Years the Giostra della Quintana takes place in two periods
of the year; the first in June and the second in September. The June edition
is called "LA SFIDA"(the challenge) and the September edition "LA RIVINCITA"
(the revenge). In June the challenge takes place under floodlights on Saturday
night, while in September the challenge is on Sunday afternoon. The Goistra
della Quintana of Foligno is perhaps the most important event of the southern
Umbrian valley because it begins the summer season of Umbria events. The
Giostra della Quintana has become more and more important and every year
big names of Italian show business join this event. The first edition of
The Giostra della Quintana took place in 1946 and in each edition, after
more than 50 years, the city magically goes back to the baroque splendour
of the XVI century, with magnificent costumes trimmed with laces, the sound
of horse's hoofs, and the popular lyrics singed in the taverns and the streets
of Foligno.
The challenge is among the knights representing the ten ancient districts
of the city (called Rioni): Ammanniti, Badia, Cassero, Contrastanga, Crocebianca,
Giotti, Mora, Morlupo, Pugilli and Spada. The price for the winner is the
"Palio", a painting on fabric, made by famous local painters, sustained
by a pole.
The competition of the Giostra della Quintana is divided into 3 sessions,
and the knights have to catch with a spear three rings in every session.
In every session the rigs are smaller: they have a diameter of 10 centimetres
in the first, than of 8 centimetres and in the last session of 6 centimetres.
The winner is the knight who catches all the rings in the shortest time
without penalties (pulling down a flag, missing a ring, etc.)
The Giostra della Quintana traditionally starts with the "Fiera dei soprastanti"
reproducing the ancient market where everyone can by things only with the
"Quattrini" the original currency of that period. At the entrance of the
market anyone can change money to by things in the market. For the next
days every district opens his tavern; places where you can taste the traditional
meal. The manifestation is concluded by the parade in baroque dresses on
the evening preceding the challenge and by the challenge itself.
Festivals / Events: Umbria Jazz - Eurochocholate - Spoleto Festival - Giostra della Quintana - Ceri Festival - Trasimeno Blues - Infiorata of Spello.