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Matildic Historic Parade

Historic parade in traditional old costumes. 60th edition.

May 22-24, 2026

The event takes place In the town centre and at the Bianello Castle, via Bianello.

Every year Quattro Castella celebrates an important episode in the European history that took place at Bianello between May 6 and 11, 1111; Emperor Henry V, son of Henry IV who obtained in January 1077 the famous pardon of Canossa from Pope Gregory VII through the mediation of Countess Matilda, came to Bianello and appointed Countess Matilda as Vice-Queen of Italy.

Donizone, writer of that time, remarks that this was the first step toward the Agreements of Worms (1122); the ceremony took place on the church square near the area where the current event takes place.

The Matildic Historic Parade takes its name from the final parade of over 1,000 extras dressed in vintage dresses in the streets of Quattro Castella. The show consists of the theatrical re-enactment of the historical episode, with Matilda and Henry V usually interpreted by well-known figures of entertainment, culture and sport.

Timetable

Parades and performances by flag-wavers and musicians.

Gran Passo d'Armi, known as "Bridge Game" or Bridge Fight": two teams made up of 7 wrestlers face off in a duel on a wooden bridge. The team that can drop all the members of the opposing team off the bridge wins.

 

Programme:

May 22
Medieval dinner for a fee (compulsory reservation; info: Gruppo Storico Villici delle Quattro Castella phone 00399.339.6512492). On the churchyard of the Sant'Antonino Church, via Marconi 5. At 9.00 p.m.

May 23
Taverns, medieval artistic handicraft market, shows. In the Bianello Castle - in the Bianello Lawns - from 3.00 to 11.00 p.m.

May 24
Gastronomic taverns, markets, shows and guided tours in the Bianello Castle - in the Bianello Lawns - from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Matildic Historic Parade - in the Bianello Castle - 5.30 p.m.
The procession, made up of all the re-enactors from the districts, the guest companies and Matilde and Enrico, descends into the town and concludes the celebration in front of the Sant'Antonino Church.

Opening

May 22: 8.30 - 11.00 p.m.
May 23: 3.00 - 11.00 p.m.
May 24: 9.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. Matildic Historic Parade - 5.30 p.m.

Event url

https://www.corteomatildico.it/

Contacts

Municipality of Quattro Castella

Piazza Dante, 1 42020 Quattro Castella (RE)

Associazione Comitato Matildico

Via Prampolini, 49 42020 Quattro Castella (RE)

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