A jump in the past together with Matilde di Canossa
Sara Mantovani May 4, 2012Every year, usually in late May, the village of Quattro Castella near Reggio Emilia 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 Mathilde, came to Bianello and appointed Countess Mathilde as Vice-Queen of Italy. Donizone, writer of that time, remarks that this was the first step toward the Agreements of Worms; the ceremony took place on the church square near the area where the current event takes place. Hundreds of walk-ons in the traditional medieval costumes gather at the foot of Bianello’s castle to start a spectacular and exciting parade.
These days old costume parade that celebrates the important event of the European history dating back to the beginning of the XII century takes place. In the morning, the village starts evoking the past; in the streets it is possible to meet farmers and enthusiastic inhabitants, penitent monks, noble delegations, honoured riders of Mathilde’s army. In the afternoon, The banners of the districts invited to the games are followed by heralds, drummers, castle-dwellers, riders and squires. Then, Mathilde is proclaimed Vice-Queen of Italy. At the end of the day, the Parade comes down again from Bianello Castle and marches along the streets of Quattro Castella.
Program
May 26: Medieval night at 5.30 p.m.
May 27: Games, markets and performances at 10.00 a.m.
Mathildic Historical Parade at 5.30 p.m.
Info: c.bonazzi@comune.quattro-castella.re.it
Emilia-Romagna is really something. Love how eclectic the region is.