Major Events & Festivals in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

1. Esteso delle Bolognese

A traditional horse race dating back to the Middle Ages, held in early August.

Long Tradition: One of the oldest horse races still held today
Unique Setup: Horses race around the city streets in a unique obstacle course
Local Atmosphere: Celebrated with local food and music, offering a taste of Bolognese culture

A series of events held throughout June celebrating Bologna's music, cinema, and culture.

Cultural Experience: Offers a deep dive into the local arts and culture scene
Variety of Events: Includes concerts, film screenings, and street performances
Community Spirit: Brings together locals and visitors in a shared celebration

A festival celebrating olive oil, held in October in the town of Dozza.

Taste of Emilia-Romagna: Showcases a variety of regional olive oils and dishes
Artistic Atmosphere: Streets are adorned with oil-themed art installations
Local Craftsmanship: Features workshops and demonstrations of olive oil production

A fishing competition held in the Reno River every October.

Sporting Event: Competitors race to catch the most roach fish
Local Tradition: Rooted in Bologna's fishing history and traditions
Community Spirit: Brings together locals, visitors, and fishermen in friendly competition

A procession of the Virgin Mary's statue carried through the longest portico in the world, held on the Sunday before May 24th.

Religious Celebration: Honors Bologna's patron saint, San Luca
Historic Procession: Traditionally carried by horseback or on foot along the portico
Community Unity: Brings together Bologna's citizens in a shared act of devotion and celebration

A large market fair held from December 26th to January 3rd.

Holiday Market: Features a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, and art
Local Craftsmanship: Highlights traditional Bolognese handicrafts and products
New Year's Tradition: Kicks off the New Year with a festive atmosphere and celebrations

A frog-themed festival held in Castel San Pietro Terme, celebrating the area's spa traditions and local cuisine.

Spa Experience: Features therapeutic mud treatments and mineral baths
Local Cuisine: Offers dishes featuring the local frog, or rana, in various preparations
Artistic Atmosphere: Includes sculptures and installations inspired by frogs

A series of food festivals held throughout the year in various towns and villages around Bologna.

Taste of Emilia-Romagna: Highlights local dishes, cheeses, cured meats, and wines
Community Celebration: Brings together locals and visitors to share in the culinary tradition
Artisanal Products: Features local artisans showcasing their craftsmanship and techniques

A chestnut festival held in San Giovanni in Persiceto, featuring chestnut-themed dishes, music, and activities.

Autumn Celebration: Celebrates the harvest of Bologna's chestnuts
Local Cuisine: Offers a variety of dishes using chestnuts, such as torta di castagne and roast chestnuts
Community Spirit: Brings together locals, visitors, and chestnut-lovers in shared celebration

A medieval market fair held in Castel San Pietro Terme on the feast day of Saint Mamolus (November 2nd).

Historic Market: Recreates a medieval market atmosphere with stalls selling goods and food
Local Tradition: Rooted in the town's history and traditions dating back to the Middle Ages
Community Spirit: Brings together locals, visitors, and vendors in a shared celebration

A grape harvest festival held in Zibello in September, featuring wine tastings, food, and music.

Wine Celebration: Celebrates the grape harvest and the local winemaking tradition
Gastronomic Delights: Offers a variety of dishes made with grapes or paired with local wines
Local Atmosphere: Creates a festive and welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors

A cultural event held in June celebrating the Emilia-Romagna region's good manners and etiquette.

Cultural Insight: Provides a unique glimpse into Bologna's social customs and values
Interactive Workshops: Offers workshops on local etiquette, cooking, and arts
Community Bonding: Encourages the sharing of experiences and cultural exchange

A series of events held in Castel San Pietro Terme throughout September celebrating local art, music, and culture.

Artistic Atmosphere: Showcases local artists, musicians, and performers
Community Celebration: Brings together locals, visitors, and artists in shared celebration
Local Cuisine: Offers a variety of local dishes and wines to enjoy throughout the month

A wine festival held in Zibello in October celebrating the region's winemaking tradition and local cuisine.

Wine Celebration: Celebrates the harvest of Bologna's grapes and wine production
Gastronomic Delights: Offers a variety of dishes made with local ingredients or paired with wines
Community Spirit: Brings together locals, visitors, and wine lovers in shared celebration

A religious festival held in Castel San Pietro Terme on the feast day of Saint Mary Magdalene (July 22nd).

Religious Celebration: Honors Bologna's patron saint, Saint Mary Magdalene
Local Tradition: Rooted in the town's history and traditions dating back to the Middle Ages
Community Spirit: Brings together locals, visitors, and devotees in shared celebration