The Baroque gastronomic challenge between the Rioni of the Quintana of Foligno
The Gareggiare dei Convivi is one of the most fascinating events linked to the Giostra della Quintana of Foligno (Province of Perugia). It is a true gastronomic challenge among the ten Rioni of the city, which reconstruct the sumptuous Baroque banquets of the 17th century with philological rigor, the era that inspires the entire Foligno re-enactment.
The ten Rioni take turns on a weekly basis for over two months, each setting up their own banquet. An expert jury evaluates the dishes on the competition menu (historical accuracy, ingredients, presentation, and preparation), the overall historical aspect (setting and performances), and the wine pairings. The evenings take place at the Auditorium of Santa Caterina and in the Rione taverns.
More than just a culinary competition, the Gareggiare dei Convivi is an exercise in historical research and Rione identity that precedes the actual Giostra. It combines a passion for food and wine with the pleasure of re-enactment, fueling healthy rivalry among the Rioni and enriching the cultural experience of the Quintana, one of the most important historical re-enactments in central Italy.
The 2026 edition of the Gareggiare dei Convivi took place from February 28 to May 9, with a historical innovation: its move outside the traditional summer window (June-September), to ensure greater participation and media attention. The theme was "The Triumph of the Pig," dedicated to the role of the pig in the noble and popular table of the 17th century.
The ten Rioni alternated on a weekly basis: the inauguration was entrusted to the Ammanniti Rione (February 28), the closing to the Giotti Rione (May 9). The Cassero Rione triumphed, winner for the second consecutive year, ahead of the Contrastanga Rione (second) and the Spada Rione (third). The jury evaluated the dishes at the Auditorium of Santa Caterina.
The evenings take place at the Auditorium Santa Caterina and in the Rione taverns, in the historic center of Foligno, which can be reached by train (Rome-Ancona line) and by car from the SS3 Flaminia.
The Gareggiare dei Convivi evenings are organized by individual Rioni; information and schedule on the official website of the Ente Giostra della Quintana.
No photos yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Auditorium Santa Caterina e taverne dei Rioni
Auditorium Santa Caterina, Via Gramsci, 06034 Foligno