Carnival Beer Fest

A Bavarian district in the heart of the Bolognese plains

Every spring, during the two central weekends of May, the district of San Matteo della Decima (Municipality of San Giovanni in Persiceto, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna) dresses up for the Carnival Beer Fest. The large pavilions that house the allegorical floats of the famous Decima Carnival for the rest of the year transform into a true Italian-style Bierstube, with long tables, steins, and music until late at night.

Who organizes it

The event is the brainchild of the Associazione Carnevalesca Re Fagiolo di Castella, the historic association that manages the San Matteo della Decima Carnival. The Carnival Beer Fest was created as a fundraiser to support carnival activities and over the years has become an eagerly awaited event for the entire Bassa region, attracting visitors from neighboring towns in the plains between Bologna, Modena, and Ferrara.

Bavarian beer and cuisine

The heart of the festival is Hacker Pschorr beer, served in gold, weiss, and marzen versions, accompanied by a menu that pays homage to German tradition:

• roast pork knuckle
• sausage and wurstels
• Hamburg-style chicken and chicken wings
• french fries
• prosecco, desserts, and liqueurs to end the evening

Food is à la carte under the heated marquee, with table service and the option (recommended) to book your seat.

Strictly live music

Each evening features a concert by the best local bands and DJs of the moment, with food stands opening at 8:00 PM and music from the stage starting at 9:30 PM. This is the formula that has made the Carnival Beer Fest a genuine village festival, where beer is just an excuse to get together and dance.

A community event

More than just a food festival, the Carnival Beer Fest is a moment of aggregation for Decima and the entire Municipality of San Giovanni in Persiceto: an opportunity to support carnival volunteering and to experience the convivial spirit typical of Emilia-Romagna, where good food and popular festivals always go hand in hand.