La Tavola di Bisanzio
The great Byzantine-Longobard historical re-enactment of the Reggio Emilia Apennines
About La Tavola di Bisanzio
La Tavola di Bisanzio, a journey into the Byzantine Apennines
La Tavola di Bisanzio is the great historical re-enactment that every year, in July, enlivens the village of Baiso, in the province of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of the Tresinaro Valley Apennines. Born in 2005 as a village festival focused on Byzantine-inspired cuisine, the event has grown to become one of the most important historical re-enactments in Italy, capable of attracting thousands of visitors from all over Emilia-Romagna and beyond.
The era re-enacted
The common thread is the period between the 6th and 8th centuries, when the lands of the Reggio Emilia Apennines were a borderland and meeting point between Byzantine and Longobard civilization. The re-enactment meticulously recreates the customs, traditions, crafts, and atmospheres of those centuries, transforming the entire historic center of Baiso into a large encampment and market of yesteryear.
What to see and experience
- Historical re-enactments with warriors, duels, and costumed combats
- Falconers and bird of prey flight demonstrations
- Flag-wavers, flag games, and archery
- Medieval market with artisans, ancient crafts, and shops
- Street performances: acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, magic, and illusionism
- Evening fire shows and fireworks
- Period music, dances, and entertainment for all ages
The table and the banquets
As the name itself suggests, gastronomy is at the heart of the event. In the evenings, at the inn and dedicated stands, the rites of the Byzantine banquet are revived with dishes inspired by the era, spit-roasted meats, game, polenta, and Apennine specialties, accompanied by local food and wine products from the market.
An event for the whole family
La Tavola di Bisanzio is designed as an immersive experience suitable for all ages: alongside the evening shows, the days offer workshops, farm animals, demonstrations of ancient crafts, and interactive activities for children. Admission to the event is free, confirming the popular and community-oriented nature of the event, organized by the association La Tavola di Bisanzio APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Baiso and the Emilia-Romagna Region.
La Tavola di Bisanzio — edition 2026
The XXI edition of La Tavola di Bisanzio is scheduled in Baiso (Reggio Emilia) from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, 2026. The historic center transforms into an open-air theatre: re-enactments with warriors and costumed combats, falconers, flag-wavers, archery, and a medieval market animate the three days.
The evenings are dedicated to shows starting at 9:00 PM, with acrobatics, fire games, magic, and illusionism, period music, and banquets inspired by Byzantine cuisine at the inn. Among the side events, there is also the Malaka music night on July 10 and exhibitions set up at Ca' Toschi. Free admission.
Programme La Tavola di Bisanzio 2026
General program (to be updated on the official website):
- Friday, July 10: opening, evening entertainment, banquets, and Malaka music night
- Saturday, July 11: medieval market, craft demonstrations, historical combats, falconers, and fire shows; dinners at the banquets
- Sunday, July 12: morning entertainment, activities for families and children, street shows, and grand finale with fireworks
Evening shows start at 9:00 PM. Detailed hourly schedule published on the official website latavoladibisanzio.it.
Highlights La Tavola di Bisanzio 2026
- Byzantine-Longobard historical re-enactment in the center of Baiso
- Falconers, flag-wavers, and archery
- Medieval market and ancient crafts
- Fire shows, magic, and illusionism
- Banquets inspired by Byzantine cuisine
- Final fireworks
Prices La Tavola di Bisanzio 2026
Practical information — La Tavola di Bisanzio
How to get there
Baiso is located in the Reggio Emilia Apennines, about 35 km south of Reggio Emilia. By car, it can be reached from the SS63 or the SP7; the nearest motorway exit is Reggio Emilia (A1), then continue towards Scandiano-Baiso. The reference train station is Reggio Emilia, connected by bus lines to the valley.
Admission and opening hours
Admission to the event is free. Evening shows generally start around 9:00 PM; the medieval market and daytime entertainment open in the afternoon and, on Sundays, already in the morning. Detailed program and times on the official website latavoladibisanzio.it.
Tips
Comfortable shoes are recommended for the cobbled streets of the village. Reservations are recommended for dinner at the banquets. Parking is available in designated areas on the outskirts of the historic center.
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Where does it take place — La Tavola di Bisanzio
Centro storico di Baiso
Via G. B. Toschi, 8/B, 42031 Baiso