Palio del Torrione of Bubano

A re-enactment between the dragon and Caterina Sforza

The Palio del Torrione of Bubano is the most anticipated historical event in Mordano, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Bologna in Emilia-Romagna. The festival takes place in the hamlet of Bubano and, founded in 1997, has become a reference point over the years for historical re-enactment enthusiasts throughout Romagna.

The re-enactment draws on two episodes from local history and legend: the myth of the dragon that, according to tradition, infested the territory around the 13th century, and the figure of Caterina Sforza, the famous "lady of Forlì and Imola" who, at the end of the 15th century, had Bubano fortified, a strategic point of her fiefdom, by building a fortress.

The four competing districts

The town is divided into four districts that compete for the Palio: Rocca della Signora, Campo de Urso, Prati Riari, and Runco di Frabi. Each district fields its own lady and knights for the decisive trial: the ladies, at the top of the towers, must pierce the dragon placed in the center of the field with their lances, while the knights push their lady's tower towards the target, trying to hinder their opponents. It is a contest that tests speed, skill, dexterity, and a bit of luck.

Four days of celebration

The event unfolds over an entire weekend. The first evenings are dedicated to conviviality, with the districts' propitiatory dinner, competitions between the districts such as the famous hand-rolled sfoglia (pasta dough), and musical moments. Saturday is the day of Caterina Sforza's solemn entry, who arrives in town accompanied by the historical pageant, with jugglers, flag-wavers, musicians, and shows. Sunday culminates in the dispute of the Palio and the proclamation of the winning district.

Throughout the festival, the center of Bubano transforms into a medieval village, with ancient crafts, artisan markets, and several refreshment points offering traditional Romagna dishes, with menus also designed for vegetarians and those with dietary intolerances.

An event for the whole family

With pageants, re-enactments, and activities for children, such as the Children's Palio, the event is a popular celebration suitable for all ages, capable of combining historical and cultural dimensions with the pleasure of good food and togetherness. The Palio del Torrione is today one of the most heartfelt identity events of the Imola area and the entire province of Bologna.