Barletta Challenge Historical Re-enactment

The 2025 edition of the Barletta Challenge Historical Re-enactment was held from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7, under the artistic direction of Francesco Gorgoglione and organized by the Municipality of Barletta in collaboration with Puglia Culture and with the support of the Puglia Region.

The program opened on Friday the 5th with The Offense (L'Offesa) at the Cantina della Sfida, performed by the Bardulos Historical Group. Saturday the 6th featured the Carrera della Sfida, a 13 km running race in the historic center, Renaissance encampments, and dances at the Castle Gardens Amphitheater, while heralds announced the Challenge Proclamation.

On Sunday the 7th, the grand Triumphal Procession crossed the city starting from the Castle, with men-at-arms, flag-wavers, ladies, and knights, reaching the monument to Massimo D'Azeglio and the Teatro Curci. Among the year's novelties was the horseback descent of Ettore Fieramosca (played by Renato Ciardo) along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The evening concluded with the pyromusical show. The narration was entrusted to Francesca Rodolfo in the role of Elvira da Cordova.

Friday, September 5, 2025

• 20:00-22:00 — The Offense (L'Offesa) at the Cantina della Sfida (Bardulos Historical Group)

Saturday, September 6, 2025

• 17:30 — The Carrera della Sfida, 13 km running race in the historic center
• 20:00 — Renaissance encampments at the Castle Gardens
• 20:00 — Heralds announce the Challenge Proclamation through the historic center
• 20:30-21:30 — Renaissance dances at the Castle Gardens Amphitheater

Sunday, September 7, 2025

• 19:30 — Historical reading at the Castle Rivellino
• 20:00 — Triumphal Procession (Castle, Via Duca d'Asburgo, Corso Cavour, Corso Garibaldi, historic center, D'Azeglio monument, Teatro Curci, and return to the Castle)
• 22:30 — Pirofantasy pyromusical show

The Triumphal Procession on Sunday, September 7, and the horseback descent of Ettore Fieramosca along Corso Vittorio Emanuele.