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 re-enactments in Italy. Revived in its modern form starting in 1946, it evokes the splendours of the 17th-century Baroque period and stages a spectacular equestrian joust: ten knights, one for each of the city's Districts, must, at a gallop, spear a suspended ring (the «Quintana») with their lance. The ring gradually shrinks from 6 to 5 centimetres in diameter, in a test of pinpoint accuracy.
Districts, Procession, and Taverns
The city is divided into ten Districts, which animate the event with sporting rivalry and a strong sense of identity. The historical procession, with hundreds of figures in sumptuous Baroque costumes, parades through the city centre streets before the joust, while the Districts' taverns offer traditional Umbrian cuisine for days in period settings. 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 in June and the Giostra della Rivincita in September. The joust is surrounded by an entire ecosystem of events—the Gareggiare dei Convivi (Feast Competition), district re-enactments, 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 re-enactment, recreated in 1946 after the war. For the occasion, the calendar doubles the tradition and includes three jousts instead of two.
It opens with the Giostra dell'Ottantennale, an extraordinary night 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 procession with over 800 figures in Baroque costumes, and the Giostra della Rivincita (September 13). The District 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 night 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 procession of over 800 figures in Baroque costumes
Giostra della Rivincita — September
- September 13 — third joust of the anniversary year
Collateral Events
- District Taverns open from May 28 to June 12
- Photographic exhibition «Steve McCurry – Umbria»
- 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
Getting Here
The Campo de li Giochi is located near the centre of Foligno, reachable by train (Rome-Ancona line) and by car via the SS3 Flaminia. The historical procession and taverns animate the city's historic centre.
Tickets
Tickets for the jousts are available online on the official website of the Ente Giostra della Quintana. The historical procession 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