Finalestense — Palio delle Cerchie

Finalestense, when Finale Emilia returns to the Renaissance

Finalestense is the grand historical re-enactment that every year, in June, transforms the historic center of Finale Emilia, in the province of Modena (Emilia-Romagna), into a 16th-century Renaissance court. The event celebrates the history of the Este town, the «little Venice» crossed by the Panaro canals, which in the 15th and 16th centuries was a strategic outpost of the Duchy of Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio.

The thirteen Cerchie and the Palio

The heart of the festival is the Palio delle Cerchie: the city is ideally divided into thirteen Cerchie, the historic districts that gather over a thousand participants in period costumes. The Cerchie compete in various disfide — tests of skill and strength inspired by Renaissance games — for the conquest of the Palio, in a competition that involves entire families and passes down pride of belonging to one's district from generation to generation.

Parades, shows, and atmosphere

During the three days, the village comes alive with grand historical parades: nobles, ladies, guards, commoners, and participants parade through torch-lit streets, preceded by the blessing of the banners and the Cerchie. Along the streets, you will encounter:

• flag-wavers and musicians who set the rhythm of the evenings with drums and clarions;
• jugglers, acrobats, and fire-eaters who entertain the public;
• dancers and Renaissance dance companies in costume;
• artisan workshops and a Renaissance market with period products and crafts.

The Cerchie's taverns

A special mention goes to the taverns run by the Cerchie, where you can taste traditional Este and Modena dishes in a period setting: it's the best way to experience the festival from within, between a challenge and a parade, while supporting your favorite district.

An identity festival of Emilia-Romagna

Born in the mid-nineties, Finalestense is today one of the most cherished historical re-enactments in Emilia-Romagna, organized by the Municipality of Finale Emilia together with the Order of the Cerchie and numerous local associations, including I Conestabili del Finale. Admission is free: three days of popular celebration in the sign of the summer solstice, capable of attracting visitors from all over the lower Modena area and beyond.