Palio di San Nicola e Giostra degli Anelli

A medieval re-enactment since 1994

The Palio di San Nicola e 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 organised by the Associazione San Nicola, the event celebrates Saint Nicholas of Bari by combining the splendour of a medieval parade with equestrian competition. The town is divided into six districts — Borgo, Calvario, Fontenuova, Macchie, Morgette, and Santa Margherita — which compete for the palio.

The Giostra degli Anelli (Ring Joust)

The most spectacular moment is the Giostra degli Anelli: knights at a gallop, 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 competition 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.

Parades, games, and tradition

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