Villages and historical re-enactments in Friuli Venezia Giulia and in the surroundings of the Casale
In Friuli Venezia Giulia we care a lot about traditions and history, which is why numerous local municipalities propose historical re-enactments to help people understand the main historical facts of the area. From our farmhouse you can easily reach seven of them.
I'm sure that reliving a period of the past through crafts, rituals and events will excite you and become a reason for further study!
The historical re-enactments of Friuli Venezia Giulia
La Macia
The Macia, an ancient unit of measurement for the length of fabrics, gives its name to the historical re-enactment which takes place every year around the mid-August holiday in the center of Spilimbergo. For the occasion, we relive the climate of daily life of the early 16th century that characterized the city. As a matter of fact, along the streets you can find merchants, bourgeois, nobles, knights and artists. Special events are offered: palios, flag-waving shows, archery competitions and dinners in the castle. The historic parade of figures paying homage to the count is unmissable.
Here is the official ProSpilimbergo website for further information.
Tempus Est Jocundum
On the occasion of Tempus Est Jocundum (usually at the beginning of August) the ancient Via Bini and the alleys of the historic center of Gemona del Friuli become the scene of a great medieval festival. You will meet hundreds of figures who dress in the role of men-at-arms, soldiers of fortune, knights, squires, commoners and nobles. You will walk along streets illuminated by the light of the "ferals" coming across ancient taverns, markets and artisan workshops. This re-enactment is part of the "Medieval August in Gemona" event which includes theatrical performances, live music and concerts.
Official website of the Tempus Est Jocundum event.
Palio of San Donato
Ready to witness a confrontation between archers, crossbowmen and harquebusiers representing city villages and other cities or castles? From the end of August, don't miss the Palio di San Donato, a setting of sumptuous entertainment from times gone by which takes place in the historic center of Cividale del Friuli. History has it that in 1548 79 participants signed up for the race, since 2000 the tradition of the Palio has been revived with great success and boasts a medieval market, the historical procession of the high officials of the Patriarchal State and the shooting competition bow and crossbow.
Here is the site of the Palio di San Donato.
The Castle Tournament
On the second-last weekend of September, Torre di Pordenone comes alive thanks to the re-enactment of the Giostra dei Castelli, a historic event which includes the opening of the medieval village, the characteristic themed dinner and the Giostra which commemorates the invasion of the Turks which took place at the end of September 1499. At that times, the foreign army was defeated by valiant knights led by Franco Del Borgo, leader of the crossbowmen of Spilimbergo. You cannot miss the historical parade with around 300 participants with costumes, weapons and armors, faithful reproductions of that time.
More information on the official Giostra dei Castelli website.
Palma alle Armi
The largest seventeenth-century re-enactment in Italy enlivens the first weekend of September in Palmanova! With A.D. 1615: Palma alle Armi, the fortress of Palma recalls the conflicts that took place in the Friulian plain in September 1615. If you love history, you will not resist the charm of the military maneuvers, the encampment of the troops and all that surroundings including markets, shows, valleys, duels and fires that characterized that era.
The Palmanova website to find more information on Palma alle Armi.
The Palio dei Rioni
The Palio dei Rioni features the four Cordoba districts of Villa Belvedere, Borgo, Saccudello and Suzzolins who prepare with their respective local evening parties in the spirit of belonging in view of the Palio. In fact, between the end of August and the beginning of September, the village of Cordovado goes back in time and is enriched with taverns, ancient craftsmen, duels, traveling shows and alchemists in costume.
Here is the website of the ProLoco of Cordovado and the historical re-enactment of the Palio dei Rioni.
Middle Ages in Valvasone
At the beginning of September, Valvasone is the stage of Medioevo a Valvasone, a historical re-enactment now in its 30th edition which stages events that actually happened in those places in the 14th century. Walking through the alleys will make you relive the atmosphere of a real medieval village where you will meet artisans, figures, dancers and men-at-arms. There will be no shortage of dances, dinners, the nocturnal lighting of the "ferali" and the procession of the nobles.
For more information, here is the official website of Medioevo a Valvasone.
Ready for a dive into the magical atmosphere of Friulian historical re-enactments?
As always, our Agriturismo will be an excellent starting base for your medieval adventures!