Summer in Emilia-Romagna is a festival of traditions, history and taste: from medieval re-enactments to historical palios, music, festivals and cultural events that enliven villages, squares and castles.
Here are the highlights of the season from May to September 2025, easily accessible from Borgo.
Palio di Ferrara - May 2025 (Ferrara)
The Palio di Ferrara is one of the most evocative historical re-enactments in the region, with costume parades, flag-waving competitions and the famous race between the eight contrade in Piazza Ariostea. The event celebrates Este traditions and the history of the city with a programme of events and competitions involving the public and participants.
Matildic historical procession - May 2025 (Quattro Castella (RE))
A historical event of great appeal in the province of Reggio Emilia, which re-enacts the episode of the reinfeudation of Matilda of Canossa by Henry V. The procession takes place with parades in medieval costumes, period fights, games of skill such as the Quintana dell'Anello, and performances by musicians and historical groups.
Palio del Niballo - June 2025 (Faenza (RA))
June sees the Palio del Niballo, one of the oldest medieval jousts in Italy. The city's districts compete in a series of traditional contests, culminating in the historic horse joust. The entire event is accompanied by historical parades, duels and flags in the wind, immersing visitors in the atmosphere of the past.
Poster “Summer in Bologna” - May-September 2025 (Bologna)
From mid-May until the end of September, Bologna hosts “Summer in Bologna”, a calendar of cultural events that includes concerts, open-air shows, artistic performances, and family initiatives. The event transforms squares, gardens and urban spaces into meeting and entertainment venues for all ages.
Summer evenings - July-September 2025 (Province of Parma)
The traditional “Summer Evenings” festival enlivens summer evenings in the province of Parma with a varied musical programme: from jazz to classical music, from opera to world music and klezmer. It is a perfect opportunity to experience concerts under the stars in historic and evocative locations.
Festivals, fairs and popular festivals (In various locations in Emilia-Romagna)
During the summer of 2025, numerous food and wine festivals and village festivals enlivened the region with celebrations of local products, markets and culinary traditions. These include events with historical re-enactments, traditional recipes and celebrations of typical specialities that attract residents and tourists to the region's villages and squares.
These events are not just seasonal fixtures: they represent the soul of Emilian culture and communities, perfect to enrich a food and wine or cultural stay in the Borgo area.
