Every year, on the fourth Sunday of June, the Niballo – Palio of Faenza transforms the city into a vast open-air stage, bringing back the atmosphere of ancient medieval jousts. The event takes its name from the “Niballo”, the target figure that knights must strike with their lance during the equestrian challenge, and represents one of the oldest and most evocative historical events in Italy.
The festivities begin with the majestic historical parade, made up of hundreds of participants in medieval costumes: ladies, knights, soldiers, musicians, and flag throwers who cross the historic center of Faenza before reaching the municipal stadium. Here, before thousands of spectators, the five city districts – White, Yellow, Black, Red, and Green – compete in a thrilling horseback challenge, where courage, skill, and precision are essential to win the Palio.
The Niballo is not just the main race: the entire month of June is enlivened by a rich program of side events involving the whole community. Each district opens its headquarters to host convivial dinners, shows, and social gatherings, while squares host youth tournaments, flag thrower and musician competitions, exhibitions, and reenactments that recreate the medieval atmosphere.
The Palio del Niballo of Faenza is a celebration that brings together tradition, history, and civic identity, capable of conveying authentic emotions to residents and visitors alike. Taking part in the event means immersing yourself in a unique experience, where the passion of the districts, chivalric competition, and the charm of historical reenactments come together to create one of the most spectacular medieval festivals in Italy.
The event concludes on Epiphany night with the famous Nott de Bisò: in Piazza del Popolo, the large effigy of the Niballo, symbol of adversity, is burned by the district that won the previous year. During the evening, the traditional bisò is served, a mulled wine poured into elegant Faenza ceramic mugs, created each year with the symbols of the districts and the city.
