Torneo dei Rioni – A Journey Back in Time

The historical parade of Frederick II and the Tournament of the Oria’s Contrade represent the only medieval remembrance of the Frederick’s era that takes place nowadays in Italy. It finds its origins from the announcement that Frederick II wanted to release in 1225 during a period of residence in Oria, Puglia, while waiting for Isabella of Brienne, daughter of Giovanni, King of Jerusalem, whom he would marry in November of the same year. To honor the presence of the bride-to-be’s father and involve in the event also the people of the “fida et nobilissima cittade d’Orea” (trustful and noble city of Oria), the emperor – respecting a custom in place at the time – wanted to release a “Torneamento” between four contrade: Castello, Judea, Lama and Santo Basilio.

The celebration takes place in two days, this year on 7 and 8 August.

On Saturday August 7 – from 5 PM – more than 400 performers in costumes walk through the main roads of the town happily colored with all the four district’s standards. The pomp of that period is faithfully represented through gestures typical of nobles, ladies, knights, jesters, courtiers, pages and armigers. The historic parade of Oria ends in the fascinating Piazza Manfredi, where the herald reads the announcement  released by Frederick II in 1225 to give birth to the tournament between the four districts of the City, introducing the Palio which takes place the day after.

On Sunday August 8 – from 5 PM – in the Torneo dei Rioni’s field, the four districts will compete for the Palio with horse fighting of medieval nature , battles between armed groups plus races of battering-ram, bridge, barrel, treasure chest, speed and agility. Whom will have totalized the higher of scores will receive the Palio directly from Frederick II whom this year will be starred by the TV actor Giulio Berruti.

History and legend cross in this suggestive event which takes place each year in the second week end of August since 1967, bringing back to light one of the most important page of a story dating back to more than three thousand years that in the very period of Frederick II definitely finds one of its main moment.

Coming to Oria in those days means travelling back in time, live the medieval atmosphere also inside the medieval camp-site which will be pitched since Friday 6 August and where various armed groups will dwell before the Sunday’s battles. The entrance at the medieval camp-site is totally free of charge.

The town of Oria is easily reachable: by airplane from Brindisi airport (35Km) and then driving through the SS7/E90 towards Taranto or by car through the same road towards Taranto or Brindisi according to the provenience.
More information about the festival and the ticket booking to enter inside the field of Tournament can be found through the official website www.torneodeirioni.it or writing at info@torneodeirioni.it