The great festival of Romagnol liscio music in Piazza Saffi, Forlì
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Romagnol liscio festival in Piazza Saffi, Forlì, recognized by the Emilia-Romagna Region as a significant cultural event. Free admission.
Piazza Aurelio Saffi, in the historic center of Forlì (FC), Emilia-Romagna.
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.
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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Piazza Saffi
Piazza Aurelio Saffi, 47121 Forlì