Casting of candles

Colata dei Ceri (Casting of candles) inspired by the Statute of Cortona of 1325
Presentation of Swords and Flags to twelve soldiers

The medieval events related to the Giostra dell’Archidado (Archidado Joust) are preceded by religious celebrations dedicated to St.Margherita, patron saint of Cortona, like the so-called “Colata dei Ceri” (casting of candles), when a small group of each quarter gives some wax to be casted to make a candle, which will be offered to the patron saint on the following day.

The Archidado Joust, officially created in 1397 to celebrate the wedding of the Lord of Cortona and a noble woman from Siena, is a historical event in which the different quarters of the town compete in a crossbow tournament. Costume parades, typical medieval dinners, flagflyers and fire-eater performances, falconry and magic shows are organized every year to relive the medieval splendor of Cortona.