Ancient Festival of Salionze
The festival and historical re-enactment of the meeting between Pope Leo and Attila
About Festival of Salionze
Where history meets the village festival
The Ancient Festival of Salionze takes place in Salionze, a hamlet of Valeggio sul Mincio in the province of Verona, at the town's sports facilities. It is one of the most characteristic festivals in the hinterland of Lake Garda because it combines a popular celebration with a historical event of European significance.
The meeting between Pope Leo and Attila
According to tradition, it was precisely in Salionze, on the banks of the Mincio, that in 452 AD Pope Leo the Great met Attila, King of the Huns, convincing him to stop his devastating advance and retreat. Historical studies, including research by Professor Vandelli based on testimonies and archaeological findings—including the route of the Gallica, the ancient Roman road that connected Milan to Verona—have helped to locate the episode here. The festival makes this its core identity.
The historical re-enactment in costume
The most anticipated moment is the grand historical re-enactment, staged by about fifty extras and forty knights who reconstruct the Hunnic encampment. Amidst banquets, ceremonial processions, archery competitions, and period costume duels, the spectacle concludes with a scenic fireworks display.
The popular festival
Alongside the re-enactment, the festival offers the evenings of a true village festival: food stalls open from 8 PM with traditional dishes, grilled meats, wines, and beer, live music and dancing, and a non-competitive cycling race. The organization is handled by the local association I Salionzesi, which keeps this tradition alive every year.
Festival of Salionze — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Ancient Festival of Salionze renews in Salionze, a hamlet of Valeggio sul Mincio, the mid-July event that combines popular celebration and historical re-enactment. The festival is expected over four days, following the pattern of previous editions (in 2024 from July 12th to 15th).
The program includes evening food stalls, live music and dancing, a cycling race, and the grand historical re-enactment in costume of the meeting between Pope Leo the Great and Attila, with the final fireworks display. The exact dates and detailed program will be released by the association I Salionzesi closer to the event.
Programme Festival of Salionze 2026
Based on recent editions, the festival's schedule includes:
- Friday and Saturday — Food stalls open from 8 PM with traditional dishes, grilled meats, wines, and beer; evenings of live music and dancing;
- Sunday — Non-competitive cycling race and continuation of the festivities;
- Monday evening — Grand historical re-enactment in costume of the meeting between Pope Leo the Great and Attila, with a Hunnic encampment, banquets, archery, and duels, followed by the final fireworks display.
Definitive 2026 dates and details coming soon.
Highlights Festival of Salionze 2026
The highlight is the historical re-enactment in costume of the meeting between Pope Leo the Great and Attila, with approximately 50 extras and 40 knights, concluding with a fireworks display.
Prices Festival of Salionze 2026
Practical information — Festival of Salionze
How to get there
Salionze is a hamlet of Valeggio sul Mincio (VR), in the hinterland of Lake Garda, reachable by car from the SP for Valeggio/Peschiera. Postal code 37067. The festival is held at the sports facilities.
When
Mid-July, over four days (Friday to Monday). Food stalls from 8 PM.
Admission
Free admission; food and drinks at the stalls are paid.
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Where does it take place — Festival of Salionze
Impianti sportivi di Salionze