Matildic Historical Pageant

The 59th edition of the Matildic Historical Pageant took place from May 23rd to 25th, 2025, in Quattro Castella, Province of Reggio Emilia, celebrating 70 years since the first edition in 1955. On the Prati di Bianello, the large medieval village featured encampments, taverns, jousting tournaments, and shows. The novelty of the year was the unpublished episode "Memorie di Monte Zane", which re-enacted the meeting between Matilde and Henry IV in January 1077, a prelude to the Pardon of Canossa.

Among the protagonists were Valentina Corti as Matilde di Canossa — the 58th queen in the Pageant's history — and Giulio Forges Davanzati as Henry V, directed by Valerio Di Benedetto. On Sunday, May 25th, the "Maggio 1111" performance and the closing parade concluded an event rich in history and spectacle.

Friday, May 23rd

• 8:30 PM — La Notte del Volgo on the parvis of Sant'Antonino with medieval dinner
• 10:15 PM — Concert by Paddy Rovers (Irish folk)

Saturday, May 24th

• 3:00 PM — Opening of the Great Matildic Village
• 5:00 PM — "Lex Clave" Jousting Tournament
• 8:15 PM — "Alla corte di Matilde" (At Matilde's Court): medieval shows, fire-eaters, and Giostra delle Quattro Torri

Sunday, May 25th

• 9:30 AM — Corteo dei Fanciulli (Children's Pageant)
• 11:00 AM — Blessing of the Palio and Holy Mass in costume with Msgr. Giacomo Morandi
• 5:30 PM — "Maggio 1111": the re-infeudation of Matilde by Henry V
• 8:00 PM — Closing parade