Ciccioli in Piasa

A festival born from Emilian charcuterie tradition

Ciccioli in Piasa is the most beloved gastronomic event in San Martino in Rio, a small town in the Bassa pianura area of the Province of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Every year, on the first Sunday of March, the historic center of the town comes alive from the early morning hours: the streets around the Rocca Estense are literally invaded by charcutiers with their wood-fired cooking, in a ritual that celebrates the culture of pork and Emilian peasant charcuterie.

The cicciolo, the absolute protagonist

The cicciolo (in dialect "siccioi") is the result of processing pork fat, crispy and flavorful: a humble food from peasant tradition that here becomes an authentic symbol of identity. The heart of the festival is the renowned competition for the Best Cicciolo of Italy, a contest that pits participating charcutiers against each other and is judged by the Academia Judices Salatii, an academy dedicated to the valorization of cured meats and charcuterie.

What to eat

Along the village streets, you'll find stands and refreshment points offering the best of popular Emilian cuisine:

• Freshly made Ciccioli frolli (soft pork cracklings)
• Gnocco fritto (fried dumplings) and tigelle (small baked flatbreads)
• Cappelletti in brodo (small filled pasta in broth) and tortelli
• Erbazzone (savory pie), panzerotti, and zampone with beans
• Traditional desserts: bomboloni (doughnuts), pesche dolci (sweet peaches), fried tortellini

Over the years, the festival has also featured live demonstrations, such as the wood-fired cooking of Parmigiano Reggiano, another excellence of the Reggio Emilia area. Gluten-free options are also available for those with special dietary needs.

Music, market, and culture

In addition to gastronomy, Ciccioli in Piasa offers a day of entertainment for all ages: marching bands and musical groups liven up the streets of the center, while the artisanal market with typical products and creative works enriches the stroll. For the little ones, there are pony rides and traditional wooden games. It's also the perfect occasion to visit the town's heritage: the Rocca Estense, which houses the Museum of Agriculture and Rural Life, the Coppelli Art Gallery, and the Civic Library, is one of the most evocative castles in the province of Reggio Emilia.

Organization

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of San Martino in Rio APS, which has been curating the event for over twenty years, involving volunteers, charcutiers, producers, and local associations. The festival also welcomes campers thanks to a dedicated gathering and an equipped area.