Forgiveness Festival
The historical re-enactment of the Pardon of Canossa of 1077
About Forgiveness Festival
The Forgiveness Festival of Canossa
The Forgiveness Festival is the event that the Municipality of Canossa, in the Reggio Emilia Apennines (Province of Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna), dedicates every year at the end of January to the famous Pardon of Canossa. Born in 2023 on the initiative of EmiliaLand in collaboration with the Municipality of Canossa, the event takes place in the village at the foot of the cliff and within the Castle of Canossa, a symbol of the power of Matilda of Canossa.
The Pardon of 1077
In January 1077, during the Investiture Controversy between the papacy and the empire, Emperor Henry IV crossed the Alps in the middle of winter to ask for forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII, who was a guest at the castle of Countess Matilda. According to tradition, the emperor waited three days and three nights barefoot and dressed as a penitent, in the snow, before obtaining the revocation of his excommunication. The episode is at the origin of the famous expression "andare a Canossa" (to go to Canossa), synonymous with submission and repentance.
A Day Between History and the Apennines
The festival offers a rich and widespread program throughout the day, designed for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers:
- Historical re-enactment with costumed figures impersonating Matilda of Canossa, Henry IV, and Gregory VII;
- Trekking on the Matildic trails with environmental guides, in a longer morning version and a shorter afternoon version;
- Virtual tour "You are Matilde", an immersive experience inside the castle accompanied by historical characters;
- Medieval music and dances, flag-waving performances, and fire shows;
- Guided tours of the municipal vinegar cellar and the village;
- Market of typical products and local crafts, with refreshment stands and craft beer.
Why Visit
More than just a medieval festival, the Forgiveness Festival is an opportunity to discover the Lands of Canossa, a landscape of cliffs, badlands, and castles that served as the backdrop for a decisive episode in European history. The combination of re-enactment, hiking, and local gastronomy makes the event an ideal appointment to experience Emilia-Romagna out of season, immersed in the territory's Matildic identity.
Forgiveness Festival — edition 2026
The 4th edition of the Forgiveness Festival was held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with the event opening at 10:00 AM in the village at the foot of the cliff.
The day featured trekking on the Matildic trails in the morning (longer route, approx. 9 km) and in the afternoon (approx. 5 km), guided tours of the municipal vinegar cellar, and the virtual castle tour starting at 11:00 AM. There was also music and medieval dances by the Cantabriganti and performances by the flag wavers of the Maestà della Battaglia of Quattro Castella in the afternoon. The day concluded with a historical conference on Henry IV's legendary journey from Speyer to Canossa and an evening astronomical observation.
Programme Forgiveness Festival 2026
Program (January 25, 2026)
- 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM — Trekking on the Matildic trails (morning approx. 9 km, afternoon approx. 5 km)
- 10:00 AM — Opening of the event in the village
- 11:00 AM — Guided tours of the vinegar cellar and virtual castle tour
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM — Medieval music and dances (Cantabriganti)
- 3:00 PM — Second virtual tour
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM — Flag-waving performances (Maestà della Battaglia)
- 5:15 PM — Historical conference
- 6:15 PM — Astronomical observation
Highlights Forgiveness Festival 2026
- Immersive virtual tour "You are Matilde" inside the castle
- Guided trekking on the Matildic trails
- Flag wavers and fire shows
- Market of typical products and Matildic craft beer
Prices Forgiveness Festival 2026
Practical information — Forgiveness Festival
How to Get There
Canossa is located in the Reggio Emilia Apennines. By car from Reggio Emilia, follow the directions towards Quattro Castella and Ciano d'Enza, then follow signs for the Castle of Canossa; ample parking is available near the village. The most convenient train station is Reggio Emilia, connected by local buses towards the Val d'Enza.
Tickets and Activities
Access to the village area and the market is generally free. Some activities such as the virtual tour "You are Matilde", guided tours, and treks may require booking and a contribution. It is advisable to check the procedures and costs with the organizing body EmiliaLand ([email protected]).
Tips
The event takes place at the end of January: warm clothing, comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes are strongly recommended, especially for excursions on the Matildic trails.
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Where does it take place — Forgiveness Festival
Borgo e Castello di Canossa