6
January, Dozza – The Magi in Dozza
Theatrical performance taking place in stages in the streets of the
mediaeval village.
End
February/beginning March, various locations – Lom a merz “lights
in March”
Gastronomic stands offering local specialities and evening bonfires
to greet the arrival of spring.
4
March, Tossignano and Borgo. Polenta Festival and Maccheroni Festival
Borgo Tossignano is made up of two parts, Tossignano in the hills and
Borgo in the valley. The Polenta Festival of Tossignano dates back to
1622 when the Prefect had polenta and wine distributed free to the local
people suffering as a result of war and natural catastrophes, on the
last day of Carnival before the period of Lenten fasting. Since then
the festival has been celebrated every year, and vast amounts of polenta
(nowadays accompanied with ragù and Parmasan cheese) are distributed,
first to the people of Tossignano and then to visitors.
In 1901 a dispute arose among the local people which brought about the
second festival: to boycott the festival, visitors who arrived in the
valley were “held back” by the people of Borgo who offered
them delicious maccheroni with ragù. The dispute passed but the
festivals remain and the people of Borgo and Tossignano exchange polenta
and maccheroni through an official delegation during the festivals.
8/9
March, Castel San Pietro Terme – Cassero Jazz
Jazz Festival with international musicians
29/30
March, Imola – Ferrari Challenge
Pirelli Trophy for the Italian Championship “gran turismo”
20
April, Imola – Formula 1, San Marino GP
Easter weekend, the famous car race at the “Enzo and Dino Ferrari”
racetrack.
24/25
April, Lugo – Palio of the Caveja
The real Palio consists of a tug-of-war between the four neighbourhoods
of Lugo, along with various events and games in honour of the Duke Borso
d’Este, including a drumming match and a parade in local costume.
In case of rain the event will take place the following week end, 1/2
May
11
May, Predappio Alta – Sangiovese Festival
In the heart of the area producing Sangiovese, the most important wine
of the Romagna region, it is possible to taste and buy directly from
local producers. There are also products made by local artisans, a market
and gastronomic stands. Special feature: the preparation of the longest
bruschetta (a form of toasted bread) in the world, going from the main
square to the mediaeval castle, which will be measured to confirm the
record of 1996, which is in the Guinness Book of Records.
22 May, Lugo – Palio degli sbandieratori (Flag Palio)
A display of flag waving by competing teams from various cities
23/25
May, Castel San Pietro Terme – Blues Festival
Blues Festival with international musicians
25
May, various locations – Open wine cellars
It is possible to visit the cellars, and taste the wines of the cellars
taking part in the event.
25
May, Ferrara – Palio
The Ferrara Palio goes back further than any other known. In 1279 the
Council formalised a traditional festival which had already been taking
place for 20 years. The current version is in honour of St. George but
is intended to recall the Palio of 1471 in honour of Borso d’Este,
just returned from Rome having been granted the Dukedom of Ferrara,
along with other privileges, by Pope Paul II. During the weekends in
May leading up to the Palio there are charming ceremonies in costume
such as “l’Offerta dei Ceri” (the offering of the
candles), the “Benedizione dei Palii” - the blessing of
the hangings which are given as prizes for the various competitions
and the Antichi Giochi delle Bandiere Estensi – a competition
of flag waving and music.
May/August,
various locations – Courts, Churches and Courtyards. Cultured,
sacred and popular music
For the whole summer season the towns to the West of Bologna offer concerts
of ancient music in the surrounding churches, buildings and castles.
1
June, Ascensione, Cervia – Sposalizio del mare
Each year the ancient salt trading Adriatic port of Cervia celebrates
the “sposalizio del mare”. According to the story, in 1445
Pietro Barbo, the Bishop of the town (who later became Pope Paul II),
was travelling by boat to Venice to intercede with the Doge on behalf
of Cervia when he met an unexpected storm. After he cast his ring into
the sea and said a prayer the waters gradually calmed allowing the Bishop
to continue, safe and sound, to Venice. Since then the town has “wedded”
its destiny with the sea. Even now on the day of the festival the Bishop
of the town goes out to sea in a fishing boat and throws a ring into
the sea and prays for the town while the local young men dive into the
water to try and find the ring. At the festival there are also parades
in the historical costumes of Venice, Faenza and Ravenna.
6/8
June, Monteveglio – Mediaeval Festival
The small but beautifully conserved mediaeval village of Monteveglio,
which belonged to the Countess Matilde of Canossa, still has the remains
of the wall which successfully held off the siege of King Henry IV in
1092. The beautiful church, Pieve di S. Maria Assunta, dating back to
the 10th century is the heart of the village and hosts frequent concerts
of ancient music. During the Mediaeval festival in June there are not
only concerts but also theatrical performances which take place in the
lanes of this architectural jewel.
7/8
and 14/15 June, Castrocaro Terme – From the Mediaeval period to
the Renaissance
For two week ends an historical re-enaction takes place in this imposing
fortress. It recounts the ceding of Castrocaro from the Stato della
Chiesa to the Florentine Republic which took place in 1403 with which
Castrocaro became the capital of “Romagna Toscana”. The
atmospheric torch-lit reconstruction is the highlight of this festival
which also features theatre groups, music and fire-work displays. Internationally
renowned historians also take part.
9
June,
Dozza – Festival of wine and flowering balconies
The Regional Wine Cellar of Emilia Romagna presents the wine production
of the entire region in the beautiful mediaeval village with its balconies
decorated with flowers.
13/15
June, Imola - Heineken Jammin’ Festival
A great musical event with well known Italian and foreign groups. This
year: Metallica, Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden.
22
June, Misano Adriatico – World Superbike Championship
One of the races in the world Superbike competition
27/29
June and 4/6 July, Brisighella – Mediaeval Festival
The now classic mediaeval festivals of Brisighella involve the reconstruction
of daily life and small street shows . This year this great theatrical
spectacle in the village streets, accompanied by a special menu, has
the theme “The cruel festival”
29
June, Faenza – Palio del Niballo
This ancient event has several outstanding features. The historical
parade which precedes the Palio has over five hundred costumed figures;
each neighbourhood presents its lady, who participates for the title
of “Giulia bella”, the renaissance symbol of beauty and
of the ceramics of Faenza. Flags and music accompany the “Torneo
della Bigorda d’oro” (or “Palio of the young men”)
and the Palio del Niballo, a joust for knights who must hit the “Niballo
(from “Hannibal”), shown as a dark two-faced warrior. Games
and a mediaeval menu offered by the pubs and restaurants of the city
help recreate the atmosphere of the period of the Manfredi, the ancient
lords of Faenza.
30
June, Premilcuore – The contest of the castles
In the years around 1400 the three communities of Premilcuore, Montalto,
and Castel dell’Alpe were constantly fought over by the Florentine
Republic and the Viscounts of Milan for control of the roads connecting
Romagna and Tuscany. The representatives of these three areas nowadays
confront each other competing with siege machines and other trials involving
weapons and horses, until one of the castles is declared the winner
and the other two sign an act of submission. Meanwhile the village recreates
images of mediaeval life, music and dance including a procession through
the streets and an historical market.
4/6
July, Brisighella – Mediaeval Festival (see 27/28 June)
4/6
July, Poretta Terme – Soul Festival
An important festival for lovers of Soul. The “Tribute to Otis
Redding” of the previous festival included some great American,
Australian and Italian artists. This year it has been announced that
Saloman Burke will take part.
18/20
and 25/27 July, Palazzuolo sul Senio – The mediaeval court of
the Ubaldini
A great festival recreating mediaeval atmosphere with numerous costumed
participants parading through the village then competing in the Catapult
Palio and in the recreation of an historical battle, accompanied by
special theme menus in the restaurants of the village, street shows
demonstrations by local artisans, a falconry display and other attractions.
August,
Verucchio – Festival of the Malatesta
A reconstruction of the epoch of the Malatesta nobles. For the entire
month the historical town centre is transformed into an ancient village
with shows, jousts, parades, banquettes, “Court” and “common”
dinners. A very popular event uniting historical reconstruction and
fun.
9/14
August, Savignano sul Rubicone, Castello di Ribano – Gran Baccanale
In a place where you can still feel the atmosphere of the distant past,
the Castle of Ribano, known since the XI century, the Gran Baccanale
(Feast of Bacchus) is a reminder of the ancient pagan rituals surrounding
wine sacred to the god Bacchus.
The festival takes place in three different areas: the symposium, where
the euphoric dances of the “bacchanalian” take place; the
central court, where tunics, mantles and laurel wreathes are worn; lastly
there is the garden of delights, a beautiful park with olive trees where
you can relax and enjoy the freely distributed slices of watermelon.
10
August, various locations – Chalice of the stars
On the night of St Laurence watch the shooting stars with a good glass
of wine.
16/19
August, Ravenna – Ravenna Buskers
Street artists from all over the world can be seen in the streets of
the city centre in a great festival of art and colour.
29 August /3 September, San Marino – Mediaeval Days and Palio
of the Great Crossbows
The 3 September is the National day of the oldest republic
in the world. On 3 September 301 the founder of the Republic, Marino,
died. On the days leading up to the festival in San Marino there are
parades in historical costume , concerts of ancient music, games and
duals and firework displays. The highlight if the festival is the Palio
of the Great Crossbows in which the crossbowmen.
6/7
September, Terra del Sole – Palio of St. Reparata and of Romagna
Toscana
The fortified citadel founded by Cosimo de’ Medic in the 16th
century and named “Eliopoli” is a model of military architecture
in which the principals of the ideal renaissance city can also be found.
It is the ideal location for the two palios. The competition for the
Palio of St. Reparata involves the Borgo Romano and the Borgo Fiorentino
both of Terra del Sole, in a crossbow competition. Meanwhile, eighteen
communities from the ancient province of Toscana Romagna, of which Terra
del Sole was the principal city for over two centuries, take part in
the Palio of Romagna Toscana.
7
September, Canossa – The great pardon
In January 1077 the Emperor Henry IV, dressed as a penitent, arrived
in Canossa to ask forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII who was a guest
of the Countess Matilde. He was received by the Pontificate and received
his pardon only after three days of waiting outside the castle. After
the granting of forgiveness Matilde organised a great feast and memorable
banquette which is recreated on this occasion with dishes based on game,
roasts, breads, sweets and fruit with a special place for the pomegranate,
the symbol of Matilde. Matilde’s castles of Rossena, Rossenella
and Canossa are the background for these costumed displays which involve
the districts of Ciano d’Enza and Canossa in a competition of
skill in the preparation of set design and ability in the sports competitions
which enrich the festival.
14 September, Castel San Pietro Terme – Carting competition
and chop festival
This year is the 50th edition of the carting competition, the race between
hand-made go-carts which are pushed at very high speeds through the
streets of the historic centre.
In the evening, concerts and shows are accompanied by culinary specialities
offered free by the shop keepers of the town centre.
20/21
September, Medicina – Il Barbarossa
According to legend, while passing through this village the Emperor
Federico Barbarossa fell ill and was cured by local doctors with a potion
containing a serpent. The potion worked and the Emperor was cured. The
name of the village, which means medicine, came about as a result along
with numerous benefits granted by the Emperor. Now every year the village
is transformed into a mediaeval town thanks to the many local people
who dress in costume. The town is divided into four quarters each of
which offers different attractions and specialities. You can visit the
camp of the Emperors soldiers, see mediaeval artisans and farmers at
work, taste historical specialities paying in the “local”
money, (the “Federico”) and much more.
20/21
September, Imola – Classic car and motorcycle exhibition
An event for thousands of enthusiasts at the Imola racetrack.
28
September, Imola – Superbike world championship
One of the races in the Superbike world championship
October,
Palazzuolo sul Senio – October in Palazzuolo and Chestnut festival
Every weekend in October Palazzuolo sul Senio hosts a Chestnut festival
with gastronomic stands offering every possible chestnut-based dish
possible using this precious Apennine fruit: sweets, puddings, polenta
and roast chestnuts, accompanied by various shows and entertainments.
October
and November, various locations, Truffle Festivals
Another great itinerant festival dedicated to the flavours of Autumn,
with stalls where you can buy the valuable white truffle of the Apennines
as well as many other products flavoured with truffle: cheese, creams,
sauces and eggs.
12
October, Borgo Rivola (Riolo Terme) – Gourd Festival
Exhibition, sales and tasting of various types of gourd (decorative
and edible), one of the traditional foods of the region, eaten boiled
or baked, as a condiment or as a filling in tortelli.
18
October, Riolo Terme – Saba evening
Saba is a thick sweet syrup produced by cooking grape pulp for a long
period of time. In Emilia-Romagna it was traditionally prepared when
the grapes were crushed, and eaten with fruit, bread, beans and sweet
tortelli. During the winter children used to mix it with snow to make
a sort of sorbet.
18/19
Casola Valsenio – Festival of forgotten fruits
The peasants of the Valle del Senio display and sell varieties of fruit
once common but not easily found nowadays such as medlars, cornelian
cherries, sorb apples, quinces and others. It is also possible to buy
fruit plants as well as take part in a competition presenting home-made
jams and marmalades made with these forgotten fruits along with the
recipes, which are tasted and awarded prizes by a jury of gastronomists.
2
November, Brisighella – The delights of the pig
The peasants traditionally killed their pig at this time of year in
order to prepare all kinds of pork products. Gastronomic stands offer
typical pork specialities such as ham, coppa di testa and ciccioli (types
of traditional salami), and sausage. The restaurants offer menus on
the theme of pork.
2/16
November, Imola – Baccanale
For two weeks in November gastronomy and wine go arm in arm with culture
and art, offering tasting, exhibitions, events, cookery competitions,
shows and even more. Theme menus in the surrounding restaurants.
November,
Imola – International Sangiovese exposition
Within the Baccanale this year there is the bi-annual exposition dedicated
to Sangiovese. This is not only the principal species of vine in Emilia-Romagna
but is also used in the production of various Italian wines including
Chianti and many “Supertuscans”. During the exposition there
will be guided wine-tasting, conferences, tours of the wine producing
areas of Romagna as well as gastronomic events and a charity auction
of the wines presented.
16
November, Brisighella – His majesty the truffle
Festival dedicated to the truffle with stands where truffles can be
tasted and bought and special menus in the local restaurants.
16
November, Predappio Alta – Vine-dressers’ festival
In the afternoon the village vine-dressers meet up to try out their
“vino novello” (new wine) and offer the previous years wine
for tasting. Try this years wine just drawn from the vats or some of
the typical regional wines provided free: Sangiovese, Cagnina and Albana.
The wine cellar Cà del Sanzves (in the centre of the village)
is open to visitors along with the museum of wine-making equipment from
centuries past. There are also gastronomic stands, a market and cheese
tasting.
30
November, Brisighella – Olive Festival
Brisighella is the centre of production for the renowned olive oil,
the “Brisighello” which can be tasted and bought alongside
other types excellent, locally produced extra virgin olive oil at the
festival stands.
End
November/early December, Sogliano al Rubicone – Festival of “fossa”
cheese
A fair dedicated to this famous local speciality, a cheese aged in underground
caverns (fossa). Gastronomic stands where you can try or buy, theme
menus, market and various shows.
