Giostra della Quintana
Foligno's historic Baroque equestrian joust
About Giostra della Quintana
The Baroque Joust
The Giostra della Quintana of Foligno (Province of Perugia) is one of the most prestigious historical reenactments in Italy. Revived in its modern form starting in 1946, it evokes the splendor of the 17th-century Baroque period and stages a spectacular equestrian joust: ten knights, one for each of the city's Rioni (Districts), must, at a gallop, spear a suspended ring (the «Quintana») with their lance. The ring gets progressively smaller with each lap, from 6 to 5 centimeters in diameter, in a test of millimeter precision.
Districts, Parade, and Taverns
The city is divided into ten Rioni, which animate the event with sporting rivalry and local pride. The historical parade, with hundreds of participants in sumptuous Baroque costumes, marches through the city streets before the joust, while the Rioni taverns offer traditional Umbrian cuisine in period settings for days. The competition takes place at the Campo de li Giochi «Marcello Formica e Paolo Giusti».
Two (or more) Jousts a Year
Tradition dictates two main editions: the Giostra della Sfida (Joust of the Challenge) in June and the Giostra della Rivincita (Joust of the Comeback) in September. The event is surrounded by a whole ecosystem of activities — the Gareggiare dei Convivi (Feast Competition), district reenactments, exhibitions — making the Quintana a cultural and popular phenomenon that engages the entire city of Foligno and the Umbria region.
Giostra della Quintana — edition 2026
2026 is a special year for Foligno: the Giostra della Quintana celebrates the 80th anniversary of its modern reenactment, recreated in 1946 after the war. For the occasion, the calendar doubles the tradition and features three jousts instead of two.
It opens with the Giostra dell'Ottantennale, an extraordinary nighttime edition on Saturday, May 30, at 8:30 PM at the Campo de li Giochi. This is followed by the Giostra della Sfida (June 13), accompanied by the historical parade with over 800 participants in Baroque costumes, and the Giostra della Rivincita (September 13). The Rioni taverns are open from May 28 to June 12. The official anniversary poster is by architect Carlo Crescimbeni; among the collateral events is the photographic exhibition «Steve McCurry – Umbria».
Programme Giostra della Quintana 2026
Giostra dell'Ottantennale — Saturday, May 30
- 8:30 PM — Special nighttime joust at the Campo de li Giochi «Marcello Formica e Paolo Giusti»
- Extraordinary edition for the 80th anniversary (1946-2026)
Giostra della Sfida — Saturday, June 13
- Evening joust with the historical parade of over 800 participants in Baroque costumes
Giostra della Rivincita — September
- September 13 — third joust of the anniversary year
Collateral Events
- Rioni Taverns open from May 28 to June 12
- «Steve McCurry – Umbria» photographic exhibition
- Official 80th anniversary poster by architect Carlo Crescimbeni
The competition involves ten knights who, at a gallop, spear a ring that reduces from 6 to 5 cm in diameter. Tickets on the official website.
Highlights Giostra della Quintana 2026
Prices Giostra della Quintana 2026
Practical information — Giostra della Quintana
How to get there
The Campo de li Giochi is located near the center of Foligno, reachable by train (Rome-Ancona line) and by car via the SS3 Flaminia. The historical parade and taverns animate the historic city center.
Tickets
Tickets for the jousts are available for purchase online on the official website of the Ente Giostra della Quintana. The historical parade through the city streets is free to attend.
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Where does it take place — Giostra della Quintana
Campo de li Giochi e centro storico
Campo de li Giochi «Marcello Formica e Paolo Giusti», 06034 Foligno