Baniolum Barbaricum – Festival of the Early Middle Ages and Barbarian Invasions
The re-enactment of the Early Middle Ages and Barbarian Invasions at Parco Europa in Bagnolo in Piano
About Baniolum Barbaricum
A Dive into the Early Middle Ages in Bagnolo in Piano
The Baniolum Barbaricum – Festival of the Early Middle Ages and Barbarian Invasions is one of Emilia-Romagna's most distinctive historical re-enactments dedicated to a period still little explored: the Early Middle Ages, the age of imperial collapses, barbarian invasions, and the birth of new European peoples. The event takes place in the Parco Europa in Bagnolo in Piano, in the plains of the province of Reggio Emilia, and was created with the stated aim of shedding light on an era "still shrouded in the mists of time" through living history and immersive re-enactment.
Encampments, Tournaments, and Shows
Throughout the weekend, the park transforms into a large historical encampment animated by various re-enactment groups. Visitors can witness the Dance of the Swords, the Slave Market, the Grand Mercenary Tournament, and military maneuvers and re-enactments inspired by figures like Odoacer and Saint Gonda. Among the most spectacular events are the equestrian show and the nocturnal evening performances, while itinerant music and parades accompany the day's activities.
A Festival for Families
Baniolum Barbaricum pays great attention to children with the Children's Village, animated readings and storytelling, themed games, and a fun dragon hunt organized in collaboration with local merchants. There are also the Barbarian Games, tribal painting, and historical hairstyles, allowing both adults and children to step into the shoes of a barbarian warrior or an inhabitant of the era.
Market, Tavern, and Flavors of the Time
Completing the experience are the historical themed artisan market, featuring products made using ancient techniques, the Roman-Barbarian Tavern, and food stalls where you can taste dishes inspired by the cuisine of the period. The atmosphere of Parco Europa, with its fires, tents, and flags, evokes a sense of a distant era made accessible and engaging.
A Community-Promoted Event
The event is promoted by the Municipal Administration of Bagnolo in Piano and organized by Pro Loco Bagnolo in Piano APS, with the involvement of local associations and organizations. Over the years, Baniolum Barbaricum has become a regular fixture on the Reggio Emilia calendar, successfully combining historical education, entertainment, and the promotion of the Emilia-Romagna region. Admission is completely free.
Baniolum Barbaricum — edition 2026
Baniolum Barbaricum 2026: The Fifth Edition
The fifth edition of Baniolum Barbaricum was held on May 16th and 17th, 2026, at Parco Europa in Bagnolo in Piano, promoted by the Municipal Administration and organized by Pro Loco Bagnolo in Piano APS. A total of six historical re-enactment groups animated the event with the Dance of the Swords, the Slave Market, the Grand Mercenary Tournament, and re-enactments dedicated to Odoacer and Saint Gonda.
Among the most anticipated events were the equestrian show "Il Principe dei Cavalli" (The Prince of Horses), the BARBARI-BUS, the itinerant music of the Cisalvikings, and on Saturday, May 16th at 10:30 PM, the evening show "CARRUS DEI – The King is Dead… Long Live the King". For children, there was the Children's Village, animated readings, and the dragon hunt.
2026 Novelties
Among the edition's novelties were the Barbaric Run, a non-competitive fun run open to all organized by AVIS Bagnolo in Piano, and HIMAGO HISTORIAE, a historical photography contest with an exhibition of the winners during the September Fair. Completing the event were the themed artisan market, the Roman-Barbarian Tavern, and food stalls.
Programme Baniolum Barbaricum 2026
2026 Program
- Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th – Encampments, historical themed artisan market, and Roman-Barbarian Tavern throughout the weekend.
- Re-enactments and shows with six historical groups: Dance of the Swords, Slave Market, Grand Mercenary Tournament, military maneuvers dedicated to Odoacer and Saint Gonda.
- Equestrian show "Il Principe dei Cavalli"; BARBARI-BUS and itinerant music by Cisalvikings.
- Children's Village, readings and animated stories, Dragon Hunt, Barbarian Games, tribal painting, and historical hairstyles.
- Saturday, May 16th, 10:30 PM – Evening show "CARRUS DEI – The King is Dead… Long Live the King".
- Barbaric Run – non-competitive fun run by AVIS Bagnolo in Piano.
- HIMAGO HISTORIAE – historical photography contest.
Highlights Baniolum Barbaricum 2026
Prices Baniolum Barbaricum 2026
Practical information — Baniolum Barbaricum
Where
Parco Europa, Bagnolo in Piano (RE), Emilia-Romagna. The town is located a few kilometers north of Reggio Emilia.
How to get there
By car: from Reggio Emilia, Bagnolo in Piano can be reached in about 15 minutes via SP3. By train: the reference station is Reggio Emilia, connected to the national railway network and high-speed lines, from which you can continue by bus or car.
Admission
Admission to the event is free.
Contacts
Organization: Pro Loco Bagnolo in Piano APS. Information and updates on the festival's official social media channels.
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Where does it take place — Baniolum Barbaricum
Parco Europa