Contrari Sword Fight
The historical re-enactment that takes Savignano sul Panaro back to 1409
About Contrari Sword
An Este Court Revives in the Village
The Contrari Sword Fight is one of the most cherished historical re-enactments in the Modena Apennines. It takes place in the heart of the Medieval Village of Savignano sul Panaro, in the province of Modena (Emilia-Romagna), and each year transports visitors back to 1409, the year Marquis Niccolò III d'Este donated the fief of Savignano to his captain Uguccione dei Contrari, lord of Vignola, who had taken it from the Savignani family.
The Palio of the Six Districts
The heart of the event is the Palio: the six districts of the town — Castello, Doccia, Formica, Garofano, Magazzeno, and Mulino — compete in tests of skill and strength. Two trophies are up for grabs: the Contrari Dagger, contested in the morning with games dedicated to children, and the Contrari Sword, the main trophy awarded at the end of the grand afternoon challenge on Sunday. Traditional events include the log-sawing game, stilts and planks race, tug-of-war, and the sarabanda.
15th-Century Atmospheres
Throughout the festival, the village comes alive with the historical pageant accompanied by flag-wavers, the Ars Mercatorum medieval market with its artisans, military encampments, the raptor corner with falconry demonstrations, and the court of the Marquis of Este in all its splendor. There are also fire shows, medieval tribal music, puppet theatre, alchemical and itinerant performances, animated by musicians, jesters, acrobats, and costumed figures.
Flavors and Hospitality
The historic inns run by district volunteers offer traditional dishes with a medieval twist, while the hilly village of Savignano provides a picturesque setting amidst the Terre di Castelli. The event is organized by the Associazione Borgo Castello ODV with the Municipality of Savignano sul Panaro and has become a major attraction for the entire Modena region.
Contrari Sword — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Contrari Sword Fight will be held on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the Medieval Village of Savignano sul Panaro (Modena), confirming the mid-September date.
The structure follows the established pattern of recent years: Saturday evening opens the festivities with the inauguration, historic inns, the parade with flag-wavers, and the first evening games; Sunday morning is dedicated to the Contrari Dagger with children's competitions, while the afternoon culminates in the ceremony of the fief donation and the grand Contrari Sword Fight among the districts of Castello, Doccia, Formica, Garofano, Magazzeno, and Mulino. The medieval market, encampments, raptor corner, and fire shows animate the entire village.
Programme Contrari Sword 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition with official times will be published by the Associazione Borgo Castello in the weeks leading up to the event (usually by the end of August). Below is the typical two-day structure of the event, based on previous editions.
Saturday, September 19 — Opening and Evening Games
- Inauguration of the edition and opening of the historic inns
- Bell ringers' concert and opening of the Ars Mercatorum medieval market
- Itinerant theater performances, medieval tribal music, and puppet theatre
- Historical pageant with flag-wavers and raising of the banner
- First Palio game (log-sawing game) and evening fire show
Sunday, September 20 — Dagger and Sword
- Breakfast in the village, medieval market, and guided tours
- Parade and Contrari Dagger Fight (children's games) with winner proclamation
- Opening of inns and afternoon performances
- Historical pageant and fief donation ceremony
- Contrari Sword Fight (main challenge among the six districts)
- Closing ceremony with lowering of the banner
The names of the artists, groups, and precise times for the 2026 edition will be updated upon publication of the official program.
Highlights Contrari Sword 2026
- The grand Contrari Sword Fight among the six districts, the culminating challenge on Sunday afternoon
- The historical pageant with flag-wavers and the 1409 fief donation ceremony
- The medieval market, the raptor corner with falconry, and the military encampments
- The evening fire shows in the illuminated village
Prices Contrari Sword 2026
Practical information — Contrari Sword
Getting Here
Savignano sul Panaro is located along the Provincial Road between Vignola and Bazzano, about 30 km from Modena and Bologna. By car, it can be reached from the A1 motorway (Modena Sud or Valsamoggia exit) or via the Bazzanese road. During the event, a shuttle service from the parking lots to the Medieval Village is usually active.
Admission and Tickets
Booking for the Palio days is done online via Eventbrite. Advance booking is recommended for the Saturday evening games and Sunday afternoon. For updated details on times and access, please write to the Associazione Borgo Castello ([email protected]).
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled uphill streets of the village. In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed to subsequent weekends.
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Where does it take place — Contrari Sword
Borgo Medievale di Savignano sul Panaro
Borgo Medievale, 41056 Savignano sul Panaro