Giostra Cavalleresca

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The Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona is a spectacular medieval-revival festival held each year in Sulmona, Abruzzo, during the last weekend of July. The festival is a recreation of a medieval jousting tournament that was held during the 15th century. This historical event immerses visitors in Renaissance-era pageantry, thrilling equestrian competition, and rich local traditions.

During the 15th century the joust was held twice annually on March 25th, the feast of the Annunziata, and on August 15th, the Assumption. The joust took place in the spacious main square Piazza Maggiore (currently named Piazza Garibaldi). Due to lack of support and participants the last joust of the ancient era took place in 1643.

In the 1990's there was a desire to restore the joust. In 1995 an enthusiastic group of Sulmonesi who wanted to bring back ancient traditions revived the Giostra Cavalleresca. Since its modern inception, the festival has grown steadily in popularity, becoming a beloved annual tradition that celebrates Sulmona's heritage.

The festival begins with a Corteo Storico, a historical parade featuring over five hundred participants in exquisite Renaissance costumes: flag-bearers, drummers, trumpeters, knights, and elegant ladies consecutively march from the Cathedral of San Panfilo along Corso Ovidio to Piazza Garibaldi. Each costume is handmade by local seamstresses and must be approved by the historical commission.

The highlight of the festival is the joust featuring seven city districts (four Sestieri and three Borghi) each represented by a champion knight and horse. The participating districts include: Sestiere Porta Manaresca, Sestiere Porta Japasseri, Sestiere Porta Bonomini, Sestiere Porta Filiamabili, Borgo Pacentrano, Borgo Santa Maria della Tomba, and Borgo San Panfilo. Each district has its own unique colors, banners, costumes, and loyal supporters. Piazza Maggiore is transformed into a Medieval arena as earth is brought in to create a figure eight oval traced with cherry laurel plants surrounded by grandstands.

The joust is held over two days with each knight facing four opponents chosen by draws for a total of fourteen duels. Knights gallop along the track as they aim to spear suspended rings of 10 cm (1 pt), 8 cm (2 pts), and 6 cm (3 pts) diameters. At the end of day one the four knights who achieved the best score will compete against each other on Sunday to determine the two that will vie for the championship of the event. The ties are broken first by ring size score, then by speed. The winning Sestieri or Borgo will be awarded the Palio, a canvas designed each year by a different artist, while the knight is awarded a gold chain and medal featuring the emblem of Sulmona engraved with "Sulmo mihi patria est".

The Giostra Cavalleresca is a unique and exciting festival that offers an unparalleled journey back in time. It is an essential experience for anyone with an interest in history, culture, or the captivating world of medieval reenactments.

For additional information visit giostrasulmona.it.

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