The Matildic Procession of Quattro Castella

On the last Sunday in May in the municipality of Quattro Castella, a historic episode is commemorated involving Matilda of Canossa and her coronation in 1111 at the hands of Henry V. The re-enactment begins with an enthralling Palio that sees the town's contrade competing against each other in various challenges: in the flag-wavers' performances, the Quintana dell'Anello - in which the knights have to manage to get a spear into the rings - and the Gran Passo d'Armi, in which two teams of 7 wrestlers duel over a wooden bridge and whoever manages to make all the members of the opposing team fall off the bridge wins the race. A medieval market with local food and crafts is also held. The procession ends with a parade in medieval costumes - along the streets of the village - in which more than 1,000 participants take part.