Palio – Estense Contest
Lugo's medieval historical re-enactment and the famous Palio della Caveja
About Estense Contest
The Estense Contest, when Lugo returns to the Middle Ages
For nine days in mid-May, the center of Lugo, in the province of Ravenna, transforms into a fifteenth-century city. The Estense Contest is one of the most cherished historical re-enactments in Emilia-Romagna: costume parades, military encampments, torch-lit taverns, flag-wavers, musicians with drums and clarions, and an entire community divided into its four districts, challenging each other to the last tug-of-war.
A re-enactment born in 1471
The event, whose first edition dates back to 1969, re-enacts a specific episode in the city's history: the overnight stay of Borso d'Este in Lugo castle in 1471, while the Duke was on his way to Rome to receive papal investiture. From that visit, Lugo obtained the title of capital of Estense Romagna, and the Este family's rule over the city lasted about one hundred and sixty years. The Estense Contest brings that period back to life in the streets and squares of the Municipality.
The four districts and the 'pali'
The heart of the challenge lies with the four city districts (contrade): Rione Cento, Rione Madonna delle Stuoie, Contrada del Ghetto, and Rione de' Brozzi. During the nine days, several 'pali' (competitions) are held: the Palio degli Sbandieratori (flag-wavers competition, for absolute and under-18 categories), the Palio dei Musici (musicians competition), the Palio della Soave Creatura, and above all, the Palio della Caveja, the spectacular cross-pull tug-of-war that gives its name to the final competition. The banner is created by a different artist each year.
Sant'Ilaro, Patron Saint of Lugo
The event revolves around May 15th, the feast day of Sant'Ilaro Abate (Saint Hilary the Abbot), the city's patron saint: the religious festival with its procession and fireworks from the Rocca Estense is one of the most anticipated moments. Every evening, from 7:00 PM, the district taverns set up under the Pavaglione become the center of conviviality, featuring Romagna cuisine and toasts between districts.
The Pavaglione, setting for the Contest
The focal point of the events is Lugo's Pavaglione, the imposing 18th-century loggia overlooking Piazza Fabrizio Trisi, built between 1771 and 1784. It is one of the symbolic monuments of Bassa Romagna, hosting taverns, competitions, and award ceremonies during the Contest.
Estense Contest — edition 2026
The 2026 Estense Contest animated the center of Lugo from May 9 to 17, with previews starting from May 2. The four districts — Rione Cento, Rione Madonna delle Stuoie, Contrada del Ghetto, and Rione de' Brozzi — competed in various 'pali', while every evening the district taverns of the Pavaglione welcomed the public. The 2026 banner, created by painter Paola Imposimato, depicted Saint Francis of Assisi next to the four district coats of arms. The event concluded on Sunday, May 17, with the 55th Palio della Caveja, won by Rione de' Brozzi.
Programme Estense Contest 2026
Saturday, May 2
- 3:30 PM — Historical pageant of representatives from the Estense Contest and the four districts visiting the city's Elderly Care Homes
Tuesday, May 5
- Inaugural ceremonies: blessing and oaths of the four districts
Saturday, May 9
- 8:30 PM — Palio degli Sbandieratori (Flag-wavers competition - Absolute and Under 18 categories), Pavaglione
Sunday, May 10
- 8:30 PM — Palio dei Musici (Musicians competition - drums and clarions)
Evening shows in Piazza Mazzini (9:00 PM)
- Monday, May 11 — I Diavoli della Frusta (The Whip Devils)
- Tuesday, May 12 — I Musicanti di San Crispino (Saint Crispin's Musicians)
- Wednesday, May 13 — Vasco Rossi Tribute Band
- Thursday, May 14 — Alma Duo and Warning Four Bands
Friday, May 15 — Feast of Sant'Ilaro, Patron Saint of Lugo
- Procession and religious celebrations
- Fireworks from the Rocca Estense
Sunday, May 17
- Afternoon — Parade of district pageants
- 4:30 PM — 55th Palio della Caveja at the Pavaglione (cross-pull tug-of-war among the four districts), followed by award ceremony and closing event
Throughout the event: military encampments and medieval markets on weekends, and district taverns at the Pavaglione from 7:00 PM every evening.
Highlights Estense Contest 2026
The 55th Palio della Caveja on Sunday, May 17, featuring the cross-pull tug-of-war between the four districts, won by Rione de' Brozzi. Don't miss the feast of the patron saint Sant'Ilaro on May 15 with a procession and fireworks from the Rocca Estense, and the evening shows in Piazza Mazzini.
Prices Estense Contest 2026
Practical information — Estense Contest
Where it takes place
The historic center of Lugo (RA), in Emilia-Romagna, with the Pavaglione in Piazza Fabrizio Trisi as its focal point. Pageants, historical markets, and encampments animate the streets and squares of the center (including Piazza Mazzini for evening shows).
When
Mid-May, for nine days around the feast of the patron saint Sant'Ilaro (May 15th). Inaugural ceremonies (blessing and oaths of the districts) are held in the preceding days.
How to get there
Lugo is located in Bassa Romagna, along the Via Emilia, reachable by car from the A14 motorway (Bagnacavallo/Lugo exit) and by train with Lugo station on the Castel Bolognese–Ravenna line.
Information
Associazione Contesa Estense Città di Lugo APS — official website contesaestense.com and social media channels Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Where does it take place — Estense Contest
Pavaglione di Lugo
Pavaglione, Piazza Fabrizio Trisi, 48022 Lugo