Festival · October 3, 2026 – October 4, 2026 · San Martino in Soverzano, Minerbio (BO)
Step back in time at this medieval festival held near the majestic Castello dei Manzoli, a stunning 15th-century Bolognese Neo-Gothic masterpiece. Enjoy two days of living history with spectacular fireworks, jesters, historical falconry displays, and even castle sieges! Saturday kicks off with food stalls and historical re-enactment groups from across Italy. Sunday features a traditional breakfast, magic shows, knights in armor, and another castle siege. Don't miss local specialties like gramigna al ragù, cotechino with mashed potatoes, crescentine, fried pumpkin, and traditional black pumpkin cake. All proceeds go to charity.
Indulge in a wide array of traditional Italian festival foods. Savor hearty pasta dishes like gramigna with rich Bolognese ragù or a vegetarian option. Enjoy succulent main courses such as cotechino with creamy mashed potatoes, wild boar stew, or grilled pork loin. For a quick bite, try crescentine with mixed cured meats or stracchino cheese and arugula, along with crispy fried pumpkin and polenta. Quench your thirst with local wines, draft beer, and coffee. Finish your meal with delightful traditional desserts like chocolate salami and various regional cakes, including the unique black pumpkin cake.
📅 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd 🎪 6:00 PM - The Fair, Charity Fishing, and Bar/Crescentine stands open, featuring jesters and 'laundry from another era' with La Lavandaia di Flambetta Foco Loco. 🎭 7:00 PM - Food Stand opens, followed by performances from historical re-enactment groups: Compagnia di S. Giacomo Maggiore (Bologna), Compagnia Giovanni Delle Bande Nere (Florence), Compagnia del Montone (Terra del Sole), and Società delle Spade (Ravenna). 🔥 9:30 PM - 'Morgana' show by Flambetta Foco Loco, featuring fire dance and juggling. 📅 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4th 🍽️ 8:00 AM - Traditional breakfast with cotechino and mashed potatoes. ⛪ 9:30 AM - Holy Mass. 🎪 From morning - Magic and juggling with Lo Stramagante Mr. Dudi, plus jesters and 'laundry from another era' with La Lavandaia. 🍽️ 11:00 AM - Takeaway service begins at the Food Stand. 🍽️ 12:00 PM - Food Stand opens for dine-in. 🎭 3:00 PM - Castle Siege and Knights in armor for the 'disfida della Bella' (challenge of the beauty). 🦅 4:30 PM - Historical falconry show with Freddy. 🍽️ 6:30 PM - Food Stand opens for dine-in and takeaway. 🔄 ONGOING THROUGHOUT THE FAIR 🛍️ Variety market stalls. 🎣 Charity fishing game. 🍽️ Food stand offering crescentine, fried pumpkin, and draft beer. All proceeds benefit charity and the needs of the Parish of S. Martino in Soverzano.