CaldeVale
Edition 2026 Street arts Gastronomy Local produce

CaldeVale

The Carnival in the square in Calderara di Reno

Calderara di Reno — Bologna (237) Since 2024
Dates 01 Mar — 01 Mar 2026
Location Calderara di Reno (237)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About CaldeVale

CaldeVale is the Carnival festival that enlivens the historic center of Calderara di Reno, in the Metropolitan City of Bologna. A Sunday afternoon of colors, music, and joy with the parade of allegorical floats along the town's streets, the characteristic throwing of gadgets for adults and children, and gastronomic stands with traditional Carnival specialties in Piazza Marconi. A free event for the whole family, organized by the Nuovo Comitato Commercianti and Confcommercio Ascom Bologna, which brought Carnival back to the square after twenty years of absence.

Carnival Returns to the Square in Calderara di Reno

CaldeVale is the Carnival festival of the Municipality of Calderara di Reno, in the province of Bologna, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. After a twenty-year hiatus, the event was reborn in 2024 and was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the citizens, quickly establishing itself as one of the most anticipated events in the Calderara community. An afternoon entirely dedicated to masks, tradition, and conviviality, capable of drawing families, children, and curious onlookers to the square.

Parade of Allegorical Floats

The heart of the festival is the parade of allegorical floats, which travel along the main streets of the historic center starting from Piazza Marconi. The large, colorful floats, accompanied by music and masks, shower the public with characteristic gadgets: a rain of surprises and small gifts particularly loved by children. The procession moves slowly between two rows of crowds, transforming the town into a large open-air pageant.

Flavors and Tradition of Carnival

Along the route and in Piazza Marconi, visitors will find gastronomic stands managed by the Nuovo Comitato Commercianti, featuring the unmissable sweet Carnival specialties and many other delicacies to enjoy. Refreshment points and the scent of fritters accompany the festive afternoon, in an atmosphere that combines taste, music, and joy.

A Festival for the Whole Family

CaldeVale is a free event designed for all ages. Its simple and popular formula—floats, gadgets, street food, and lots of entertainment—makes it an ideal event for spending a Carnival Sunday full of fun and collective participation. In case of bad weather, the event is postponed to the following Sunday.

Who Organizes CaldeVale

The festival is promoted by the Nuovo Comitato Commercianti of Calderara together with Confcommercio Ascom Bologna, with the support of the Municipal Administration of Calderara di Reno and local associations. A virtuous example of collaboration between merchants, institutions, and volunteers to bring life and tradition back to the town center.

CaldeVale — edition 2026

The third edition of CaldeVale took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the historic center of Calderara di Reno, starting from 2:00 PM. The highlight was the parade of allegorical floats along the main streets of the town, with the characteristic throwing of gadgets and gastronomic stands in Piazza Marconi organized by the Nuovo Comitato Commercianti.

CaldeVale 2026

The third edition of CaldeVale was held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Calderara di Reno, starting from 2:00 PM in Piazza Marconi and the historic center. The afternoon was enlivened by the parade of allegorical floats, which traveled along the main streets of the town with the characteristic throwing of gadgets for the public. In Piazza Marconi, the gastronomic stands of the Nuovo Comitato Commercianti offered traditional Carnival specialties. The event, free and organized with Confcommercio Ascom Bologna, confirmed the great success of Carnival's return to the square.

Programme CaldeVale 2026

Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 2:00 PM:

  • Parade of allegorical floats along the main streets of the historic center, starting from Piazza Marconi
  • Characteristic throwing of gadgets to the public
  • Gastronomic stands with traditional Carnival specialties in Piazza Marconi
  • Entertainment, music, and masks for the whole family

In case of bad weather, the event is postponed to the following Sunday.

Highlights CaldeVale 2026

  • Parade of allegorical floats in the historic center
  • Gadget throwing for adults and children
  • Gastronomic stands with Carnival sweets
  • Free festival for the whole family

Prices CaldeVale 2026

Free admission. Possibility of purchases at the gastronomic stands.

Practical information — CaldeVale

When

A Sunday afternoon between late February and early March, from 2:00 PM. In case of bad weather, the event is postponed to the following Sunday.

Where

Piazza Marconi and the historic center of Calderara di Reno (BO), Emilia-Romagna.

How to Get There

By car: Calderara di Reno is easily reached from the Bologna ring road, exit 4 bis. By train: Bologna Centrale and Tavernelle stations, with bus connections to the center. Bologna Marconi Airport is a few kilometers away.

Costs

Free admission. Any expenses are only at the gastronomic stands.

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Where does it take place — CaldeVale

Piazza Marconi e centro storico

Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, 40012 Calderara di Reno

Contact CaldeVale

Tel
+39 051 6487411

CaldeVale in brief

Street arts Gastronomy Local produce Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Family Outdoor Participatory Bologna

History of CaldeVale