ACI Parma Festival

The ACI Parma Festival in Varano de' Melegari

The ACI Parma Festival is the event promoted by the Automobile Club Parma that transforms the Riccardo Paletti Racetrack in Varano de' Melegari, in the province of Parma, into a large theme park dedicated to the world of engines for a day. Conceived as a day open to everyone, the event combines on-track entertainment, educational moments on road safety, and activities for all age groups, from children to the most expert enthusiasts.

In the heart of the Emilian Motor Valley

The event is part of the rich automotive fabric of Emilia-Romagna, the renowned Motor Valley which, between the provinces of Parma, Modena, and Bologna, has been the birthplace of the most prestigious automotive brands. The Riccardo Paletti Racetrack, named after the young Parma-born driver who tragically passed away in Formula 1 in 1982, has been a benchmark for races, tests, and driving schools for decades, hosting a busy calendar of two- and four-wheel competitions each season.

On-track Experiences and Safe Driving

The festival focuses on the culture of responsible driving through activities that allow the public to experience the Varano track up close:

• Hot Laps: Laps on the track aboard high-performance cars like the Dallara Stradale and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, accompanied by professional test drivers.
• Taxi Drift: The thrill of drifting in complete safety, alongside expert drivers.
• Mini Skid: An educational course to experience vehicle grip loss under the guidance of qualified instructors and learn how to manage it.

Entertainment, Technology, and Families

In addition to dynamic activities, the paddock hosts exhibitions of historic and modern cars, vintage military vehicles as part of the "Stefano Schia" Memorial, remote-controlled model car demonstrations, and professional esports simulators from the Varano Sim Room. For the younger ones, there are play activities, while the day traditionally concludes with the Grande Parata ACI (Grand ACI Parade), a symbolic moment that brings together all participants. An event that, in the municipality of Varano de' Melegari and the province of Parma, celebrates the passion for engines by combining it with the message of road safety.