Alessandro Morelli Took a Second Cesena Joust Title in the First Edition Recognised by Italy's Olympic Committee

Alessandro Morelli won the 2026 Giostra di Cesena on 13 September, beating the rider representing the Al Mare district in the final in Piazza del Popolo to take the palio for the Ravennate district. It was Morelli's second personal victory in the joust, which marked its tenth anniversary this year.

Riding his horse Principe, Morelli won the final in front of several hundred spectators, according to local reports. Nicola Corrarello of Cervese Sud and Nicola Guida of Dismano shared third place.

For the first time, the event was recognised under the umbrella of CONI, the Italian National Olympic Committee, which Il Resto del Carlino described as a first at national level. The 2026 edition also opened entry to riders selected through a public call, with the format setting eight riders in eliminators at the Sferisterio before a four-rider final in the piazza.

The joust, which the city says is mentioned in records as far back as 1316, ran from 5 to 13 September and involved all 12 of Cesena's districts. A new medieval village with soldiers' camps and craft workshops opened at the Rocca Malatestiana on 11 September and stayed open until the final.

The event is organised by the Associazione Giostra di Cesena with the riders' association Cavalieri del Re Nero. The city council said the open format was intended to raise the technical level and spectacle of the competition.