Cara Forlì — The Great Liscio Festival
Edition 2026 Music French chanson Variety

Cara Forlì — The Great Liscio Festival

The great festival of Romagnol liscio music in Piazza Saffi, Forlì

Forlì — Forlì-Cesena (040) Since 2021
Dates 01 Sep — 30 Sep 2026
Location Forlì (040)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Cara Forlì

Two days of music and dancing that transform Piazza Saffi, in the heart of Forlì, into the capital of Romagnol liscio. Cara Forlì celebrates the tradition of Secondo and Raoul Casadei with live orchestras, dance schools, special guests, and dance floors set up in the square where anyone can join in. Free admission, a popular yet refined atmosphere, in one of Emilia-Romagna's most beloved events dedicated to Romagnol dance music.

Liscio Music Takes Center Stage in Forlì Again

Cara Forlì — The Great Liscio Festival is the grand celebration that every September brings Romagnol liscio music back to the heart of Forlì, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, Emilia-Romagna. For an entire weekend, the monumental Piazza Saffi transforms into an open-air dance floor, enlivened by live orchestras, dancers, dance schools, and thousands of enthusiasts of all ages.

A Tradition That Defines Romagna

Liscio is more than just a musical genre; it's the soundtrack of Romagna, composed of waltzes, mazurkas, and polkas that have accompanied village festivals and summer evenings for over a century. The event pays homage to the great Romagnol school and the legacy of Secondo Casadei and his nephew Raoul Casadei, pioneers of this folk music. It is organized by Materiali Musicali, led by Giordano Sangiorgi, the driving force behind MEI, in collaboration with the Municipality of Forlì and with the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

Music, Dancing, and Culture

On the grand stage of Piazza Saffi, historic and new orchestras, traditional performers, and young talents alternate, alongside special guests from the Italian music scene. The "Balliamo in Piazza Saffi" (Let's Dance in Piazza Saffi) concept features multiple dance floors set up in the event area, where the public can dance guided by instructors and dancers from Romagnol dance schools.

  • Live liscio concerts and orchestras
  • Dance floors open to everyone, with instructors and dancers from local schools
  • Special guests from Italian popular music
  • Book presentations and cultural moments dedicated to the history of liscio

A Festival for the Entire City

With free admission and set in Forlì's most iconic square, Cara Forlì has quickly become one of the highlights of the Romagnol summer, successfully blending artistic quality with popular participation. The event is recognized by the Emilia-Romagna Region as a significant cultural event in the area.

Cara Forlì — edition 2026

The sixth edition of Cara Forlì — The Great Liscio Festival is confirmed for September 2026 in Piazza Saffi, Forlì. The event has been recognized by the Emilia-Romagna Region as a significant cultural event, receiving regional funding of over €52,000 for a project totaling approximately €200,000. Precise dates and the program with orchestras and guests will be announced in the months leading up to the event.

The Sixth Edition

Cara Forlì returns in 2026 for its sixth edition, once again in Piazza Saffi, the heart of Forlì. The festival has been confirmed as one of the cultural excellences supported by the Emilia-Romagna Region for 2026, with a contribution of over €52,000 towards a project budget of approximately €200,000, as part of the regional plan for cities with over 50,000 inhabitants.

As in previous editions, the festival will offer two days of music and dancing with live liscio orchestras, public dance floors, and special guests, all with free admission.

The exact dates in September and the detailed program featuring the lineup of artists will be announced by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event.

Programme Cara Forlì 2026

The detailed program for the sixth edition, including the precise September dates, orchestras, dance schools, and special guests, will be announced by the organizers in the months leading up to the event. The festival will maintain its established format: two days of live liscio concerts in Piazza Saffi, with dance floors open to the public and cultural moments dedicated to Romagnol tradition.

Highlights Cara Forlì 2026

The Romagnol liscio festival in Piazza Saffi, Forlì, recognized by the Emilia-Romagna Region as a significant cultural event. Free admission.

Prices Cara Forlì 2026

<p>Free admission. Reservations recommended for seating.</p>

Practical information — Cara Forlì

Where

Piazza Aurelio Saffi, in the historic center of Forlì (FC), Emilia-Romagna.

How to Get There

By train: Forlì station is on the Bologna–Rimini line, a short walk from the center. By car: take the Forlì exit from the A14 motorway, then follow signs for the city center; parking is available near the historic center. The nearest airport is Bologna.

Admission and Reservations

Free admission. Seating reservations are recommended by contacting the tourist information office of the Municipality of Forlì (tel. +39 0543 712362, [email protected]).

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Where does it take place — Cara Forlì

Piazza Saffi

Piazza Aurelio Saffi, 47121 Forlì

Contact Cara Forlì

Tel
+39 0543 712362

Cara Forlì in brief

Music French chanson Variety Folk Dance Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Free Participatory Forlì-Cesena

History of Cara Forlì