A Cotrebbia Fum Festa

A Village Festival in the Heart of the Piacenza Plain

A Cotrebbia Fum Festa is the summer event that every July draws numerous visitors to the small hamlet of Cotrebbia Nuova, within the Municipality of Calendasco, in the Province of Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna). The name, in Piacenza dialect, is an invitation to "party" all together: two days in which the village transforms into a large outdoor convivial gathering, filled with culinary aromas and live music.

Piacenza Cuisine Takes Center Stage

The heart of the festival is undoubtedly the gastronomy. The stands, managed by local volunteers who prepare the dishes with care in the preceding days, offer the best of the local tradition. Among the most beloved specialties, you'll find:

• Pisarei e fasö, the signature dish of Piacenza cuisine, small dumplings made of bread and flour served with a bean sauce;
• penne all'arrabbiata, skewers, salamelle, cooked salami;
• cheeses, cured meats, grilled vegetables, and the "rustisana di peperoni" (a pepper dish);
• the unmissable gnocco fritto, crispy and fragrant.

The affordable prices and genuine atmosphere make the festival suitable for families, groups of friends, and anyone wanting to rediscover the authentic flavors of the Piacenza region.

Live Music and Dance Floor

After dinner, the music takes over: a steel dance floor is set up, and liscio and dance music orchestras take turns on stage, a tradition deeply rooted in the DNA of the Po Valley festivals. It's a time when young and old alike gather to dance under the stars, in a simple and welcoming setting.

A Festival with a Heart of Solidarity

Behind "A Cotrebbia Fum Festa" is the eponymous volunteer association, which over the years has transformed the festival's proceeds into concrete action for the community. The association has funded the purchase of several defibrillators (AEDs) installed in the hamlets of Calendasco — an investment that has already helped save a life — and has committed to supporting the maintenance costs of these devices within the municipal territory. Participating in the festival therefore also means supporting a project that benefits the entire community.

Why It's Worth the Visit

In an era dominated by large events, "A Cotrebbia Fum Festa" represents the most authentic soul of the Emilian summer: a village-sized festival where the quality of the food and the warmth of the welcome are more valuable than any big name. A perfect opportunity to discover a little-known corner of the Piacenza plain, along the roads bordering the Po River and the Trebbia Valley.