The Joust of the Quintana Cybea

Every year in Massa, on the first Saturday of August, the "Quintana Cybea" takes place. It is a 16th century historical reenactment opened by a historical procession, consisting of more than 500 figures, that reaches the "Campo dei Giochi" where the knightly joust is held. The competition is a horse race between representatives of the 5 city boroughs, who wear shining armor. The knights have to thread the greatest number of metal rings of different sizes with a wooden lance in the shortest possible time. At the end of the race, the "Palio Dinner" is held amid period dishes, street performers and fireworks displays.