Il Guiderdone Banino – Medieval Re-enactment

A page of history that comes alive

Il Guiderdone Banino is the grand medieval re-enactment of San Colombano al Lambro, the only municipality in the province of Milan perched on the hills marking the border with the Oltrepò Pavese and Lodi areas. The event re-enacts a real historical episode: the assault on the Castle by the Banini in September 1402, when local factions fought for control of the fortified village.

Costumed districts and competitive spirit

The heart of the festival is the competition between the village districts, which animate streets and squares for two days with figures in period costumes, historical parades, flag-wavers, and drummers. The prize at stake is the Cingolina, a symbolic award given to the winning district of the re-enactment, in an atmosphere of good-natured rivalry that involves entire families and generations.

Shows and ancient arts

The program alternates moments of spectacle that transport visitors back to the atmosphere of the 15th century:

• medieval dances and music in courtyards and squares;
• falconry displays with birds of prey in flight;
• archer tournaments and historical archery contests;
• jousts and knightly tournaments;
• activities and games designed for children.

The Castle and the village

The natural setting is provided by the Castle and the historic center of San Colombano, with its medieval profile overlooking the vineyards of DOC San Colombano, the only wine appellation in the province of Milan. Strolling among the period stalls and encampments also means discovering a territory with a strong rural and wine identity, halfway between the Po Valley of Lombardy and the hills of the Oltrepò.

A local tradition

Organized by the Associazione Rioni San Colombano al Lambro, the re-enactment traditionally takes place on the second weekend of September and is one of the most cherished events in the Banino calendar, attracting visitors from all over South Milan and the neighboring provinces of Lodi and Pavia.