Bassa Centrico Festival
A large, widespread stage across the Lands of the Po and the Gonzaga, to be experienced also in Guastalla
About Bassa Centrico
Bassa Centrico, the festival that unites eight Municipalities
The Bassa Centrico Festival is a widespread review that connects the eight Municipalities of the Bassa Reggiana Union — Guastalla, Gualtieri, Boretto, Brescello, Luzzara, Novellara, Poviglio, and Reggiolo — into a single choral program across the Lands of the Po and the Gonzaga, in the heart of the plain of the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. The idea is simple and ambitious: to transform an entire territory into a widespread stage, where each town offers its event and the visitor builds their own itinerary through the river, art, walks, and cuisine.
Guastalla, a Gonzaga city on the banks of the Po
In Guastalla, the festival finds one of its most evocative settings. The city, the ancient capital of the Gonzaga duchy, houses a Ducal Palace that during the review becomes the hub of events: the photographic exhibition opens there, Argentine tango is danced in the Courtyard of Honor, and guided tours of the Noble Floor are held. Around it, the network of Po floodplain areas and the greenery of the Ecoparco Olmo host markets, workshops for children, and live music.
What to expect in Guastalla
- Photographic exhibitions at the Ducal Palace and in the city's Off circuit;
- Nature excursions along the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, between Guastalla and Luzzara;
- Milonga Ducale, an afternoon and evening of Argentine tango in the Palace courtyard;
- Artisan markets and food and wine stands at the Ecoparco Olmo;
- Family workshops, animated readings, and activities for children;
- Guided tours of the Ducal Palace and the Elena Guastalla House Museum.
A slow tourism festival
Bassa Centrico was born with a spirit of slow tourism: it invites visitors to explore the lands of the great river on foot, by bicycle, or by boat, to taste the typical flavors of the Bassa — from pumpkin tortelli to products from local producers — and to rediscover villages often off the beaten path. For Guastalla, it is an opportunity to showcase its Gonzaga heritage and its deep connection with the Po, in a weekend that intertwines art, nature, and food and wine.
Bassa Centrico — edition 2026
The inaugural edition of the Bassa Centrico Festival enlivened Guastalla for the entire long weekend from May 30 to June 2, 2026, with the Ducal Palace as the heart of the city's events and the Ecoparco Olmo closing the festival on Republic Day. Photographic exhibitions, tango, walks along the Po, and markets told the story of the city's Gonzaga and river soul.
Programme Bassa Centrico 2026
Saturday, May 30 — Opening in Guastalla
- 6:30 PM — Ducal Palace (Via Gonzaga 16): inauguration of the photographic exhibition "CinquantaNovecento" by Maurizio Galimberti (open on weekends until October 4).
- Morning — Nature excursion along the Via Matildica del Volto Santo (approx. 7 km): departure from Guastalla, train transfer to Luzzara, and return on foot through the Po floodplain areas, with a free guided tour of the Ducal Palace at the end.
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM — Courtyard of Honor of the Ducal Palace: Milonga Ducale, Argentine tango with performances and free dancing.
- Throughout the festival — visits to the Elena Guastalla House Museum (booking required: 347 7154948).
Tuesday, June 2 — Grand Finale in Guastalla
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM — Ecoparco Olmo: "Mani che creano" (Hands that Create), market of artisans and producers with food stands (including gluten-free options), recycling workshop (morning), animated readings (afternoon), photographic exhibition "Mi rifiuto" by Alessandra Petocchi, and live music with SOS Sweet Old Soul (info: 328 8648724).
- 3:15 PM — Ducal Palace: drawing workshop with Urban Sketchers (booking required: 333 7991056).
- 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM — Ducal Palace, Noble Floor: guided tours (€5 full / €3 reduced).
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM — Courtyard of Honor: new appointment with the Milonga Ducale.
- Off Circuit (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM) — photographic exhibitions in the city: "Fantasmi del quotidiano" (Ghosts of the everyday), "Storie di carta" (Paper stories), "E se domani…" (What if tomorrow...).
The Guastalla program was part of a widespread festival that also included Luzzara (Civic Tower and "Indaco" wellness festival), Reggiolo ("La Notte dei Sapori" - The Night of Flavors), Poviglio (Terramara Museum), Boretto (boat trips on the Po), Brescello (Don Camillo and Peppone museums), and Gualtieri (contemporary theater "Terreni Fertili").
Highlights Bassa Centrico 2026
- Inauguration of the photographic exhibition "CinquantaNovecento" by Maurizio Galimberti at the Ducal Palace.
- The Milonga Ducale of Argentine tango in the Courtyard of Honor.
- The excursion along the Via Matildica del Volto Santo between Guastalla and Luzzara.
- The grand finale on June 2 at the Ecoparco Olmo with a market, workshops, and live music.
Prices Bassa Centrico 2026
Practical information — Bassa Centrico
How to get there
Guastalla can be reached by car from the A22 Brennero motorway (Reggiolo-Rolo exit) or the A1 (Reggio Emilia exit), continuing towards the Bassa Reggiana. By train, it is served by the Reggio Emilia-Guastalla line. The Ducal Palace is located at Via Gonzaga 16, in the historic center.
Information and bookings
IAT Bassa Reggiana — tel. +39 0522 839763, email [email protected]. Full program and updates at www.terredipoedeigonzaga.it. Some activities (excursions, workshops, milonga for dancers) require booking.
Admissions
Many widespread events are free; guided tours of the Noble Floor of the Ducal Palace have a ticket price of €5 (full) and €3 (reduced). Spectators of the Milonga Ducale enter for free.
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Where does it take place — Bassa Centrico
Palazzo Ducale
Via Gonzaga 16, 42016 Guastalla