Palio di San Nicola and Joust of the Rings

A Medieval Re-enactment Since 1994

The Palio di San Nicola and Giostra degli Anelli is the grand historical re-enactment of Guglionesi, a village in Basso Molise in the province of Campobasso. Founded in 1994 and organized by the Associazione San Nicola, the event celebrates Saint Nicholas of Bari by combining the splendor of a medieval pageant with equestrian competition. The town is divided into six districts — Borgo, Calvario, Fontenuova, Macchie, Morgette, and Santa Margherita — which vie for the palio.

The Joust of the Rings

The most spectacular moment is the Giostra degli Anelli (Joust of the Rings): galloping knights, armed with a two-meter lance, must hit iron rings hanging from a three-meter wooden figure called "il Moro" (the Moor), which represents a Saracen warrior. The race takes place on a track of about 120 meters and, through three rounds with rings of decreasing diameter (5, 4, and 3 cm), determines the winning district.

Pageants, Games, and Tradition

The program alternates between medieval games among the districts (tug-of-war, sack race, log cutting), the blessing of the knights at the Church of San Nicola, the historical pageant with over 400 costumed participants, and flag-throwing performances. The won palio is entrusted to the ecclesiastical authorities, highlighting the spiritual dimension that links the feast to the patron saint.