The “Battle for the Contrari sword” is a re-enactment that takes place every year in the historic village of Savignano sul Panaro, organized by the non-profit association Borgo Castello Onlus. The event brings a 1409 event back to life: the donation of the fief of Savignano by the Marquis Niccolò III d’Este to his captain Uguccione dei Contrari. The latter, lord of Vignola, had in fact conquered the fief by snatching it from the Savignani family.

The visual impact of the village celebrating is remarkable during the event. Not only can you attend the court of the Marquis d’Este in full force, but also shows, duels, medieval markets with craftsmen, the military camp and the birds of prey corner. Great care is taken with the reenactors’ costumes – dames, knights, jesters, wayfarers – and in the demonstrations of how families and soldiers once lived, how they cooked food and how they built their weapons.

The Palio is the main event that characterizes the two days of “The Battle of the Contrari”. The six contradas of the town compete against each other in games of ability and strength: the winning contrada wins the “Sword of the Contrari”. Entrance to the re-enactment, the Palio and all the shows is free of charge. During the event, it is possible to dine with typical products in the 13 inns that are dotted around the town.