Canossa Villages Festival
Music, art and flavors among the Matildic villages
About Canossa Villages Festival
A widespread festival among the Matildic villages
The Canossa Villages Festival is a travelling summer event held in the territory of the Municipality of Canossa, in the province of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of the Reggiano Apennines and the so-called Lands of Matilde. For about ten evenings spread between late June and mid-July, the festival brings music, art, nature, and flavors to the villages and castles that were once the domain of Matilde di Canossa, transforming small historic centers into open-air stages.
The festival locations
The festival is spread across numerous symbolic locations in the area: the famous Castles of Canossa and Rossena, the picturesque village of Votigno, and then Borzano, Vedriano, Roncaglio, and Cerezzola. The program also includes the Roman archaeological site of Luceria, the Tempietto del Petrarca in Selvapiana, and the Arena Bosco dell'Impero in Ciano d'Enza, which hosts the most popular events.
Music, art, and performance
The musical program is the heart of the event: tributes to Italian singer-songwriters, with homages to Lucio Dalla in Canossa and Franco Battiato in Votigno, evenings of Latin and jazz music, choral reviews in Vedriano, and evocative Irish Celtic music during the traditional Notte della Scultura (Sculpture Night) in Rossena. The festival also hosts theatre and spoken word performances, such as those entrusted to national-level artists at the Arena Bosco dell'Impero, as well as art exhibitions and installations in the villages.
Nature, flavors, and tradition
Alongside the concerts, the festival offers dinners under the stars, farmers' markets with local producers, tastings of typical products, and guided tours of the Acetaia Comunale (Communal Balsamic Vinegar producer), where traditional balsamic vinegar is made. There are also walking tours through the badlands and historic villages, nature walks, and family-friendly activities, particularly at the Tempietto del Petrarca.
A journey through the Lands of Matilde
More than just a series of events, the Villages Festival is an invitation to discover a unique territory in Emilia-Romagna, marked by the figure of Matilde di Canossa and a heritage of castles, parish churches, and hilly landscapes. Organized by the Municipality of Canossa in collaboration with local Pro Loco associations, local organizations, and entities like the Fondazione Entroterre, the festival enhances the identity of the province of Reggio Emilia by combining culture, food and wine, and slow tourism.
Canossa Villages Festival — edition 2026
Canossa Villages Festival 2026 — VI Edition
From June 21 to July 18, 2026, the Canossa Villages Festival returns with its sixth edition: ten days of widespread events in the symbolic locations of the Municipality of Canossa, in the Reggiano Apennines. A festival that blends music, art, nature, and food and wine in the villages and castles of the Lands of Matilde.
The musical program
The lineup includes tributes to Italian singer-songwriters, with homages to Lucio Dalla in Canossa and Franco Battiato in Votigno, an evening of Latin and jazz music in Roncaglio, a choral review in Vedriano, and Irish Celtic music during the evocative Notte della Scultura (Sculpture Night) in Rossena. An Arena Bosco dell'Impero will also host a live performance by a nationally renowned artist.
Nature, art, and flavors
Alongside the concerts, the 2026 edition offers dinners under the stars, farmers' markets, guided tours of the Acetaia Comunale and the Luceria archaeological site, excursions through badlands and historic villages, art exhibitions, and tastings of typical products and activities for families at the Tempietto del Petrarca.
Programme Canossa Villages Festival 2026
2026 Program (June 21 to July 18): tribute to Lucio Dalla in Canossa, tribute to Franco Battiato in Votigno, evening of Latin and jazz music in Roncaglio, choral review in Vedriano, Irish Celtic music during the Sculpture Night in Rossena, celebration of Italian singer-songwriters in Borzano, live performance at the Arena Bosco dell'Impero in Ciano d'Enza. Also scheduled are dinners under the stars, farmers' markets, visits to the Acetaia Comunale, guided excursions, exhibitions, and tastings. The detailed calendar with dates and times for each evening is published on the Municipality of Canossa website.
Highlights Canossa Villages Festival 2026
- Tribute to Lucio Dalla in Canossa and Franco Battiato in Votigno
- Sculpture Night in Rossena with Irish Celtic music
- Live performance at the Arena Bosco dell'Impero
- Dinners under the stars, farmers' markets, and visits to the Acetaia Comunale
Prices Canossa Villages Festival 2026
Practical information — Canossa Villages Festival
How to get there
Canossa can be reached by car from the A1 motorway (exits Reggio Emilia or Terre di Canossa-Campegine), continuing towards the Apennines in the direction of Ciano d'Enza. By train, the reference station is Reggio Emilia, then connected by intercity buses towards Val d'Enza. The nearest airports are Bologna and Parma.
Tickets and access
Many festival events (exhibitions, markets, walks, village evenings) are free admission, while some concerts and performances at the Arena Bosco dell'Impero may be ticketed or require booking. It is advisable to consult the official program on the Municipality of Canossa website.
Information
Cultural Center of the Municipality of Canossa, tel. +39 0522 248425, email [email protected].
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Canossa Villages Festival
Borghi e castelli matildici (Canossa, Rossena, Votigno, Borzano, Vedriano, Roncaglio)