Cividale al Pettine

Cividale al Pettine: the Maccherone of the Valli Mirandolesi

In the Municipality of Mirandola, in the province of Modena, the hamlet of Cividale hosts Cividale al Pettine every summer, one of the most cherished festivals in the Bassa modenese. The event celebrates the Maccherone al Pettine delle Valli Mirandolesi, a typical fresh egg pasta from the region, hand-made on a characteristic comb-like frame that imprints stripes on the surface, ideal for holding the sauce.

A product of Emilia-Romagna's identity

Maccherone al pettine is the heart of a strong gastronomic identity, shared by the communities of the Valli Mirandolesi and also celebrated through the Palio del Pettine, a competition dedicated to the best preparation of this dish. In Cividale, the festival has grown edition after edition, reaching its tenth anniversary in 2025, becoming an anticipated event not only for the people of Mirandola but for the entire province.

The festival's cuisine

The stands, set up at La Tomina on via Guidalina, offer a menu each evening that focuses on traditional Emilian recipes:

• Maccheroni al Pettine served with meat ragù or in a vegetarian version;
• Gramigna alla cividalese, another typical pasta from the region;
• Gnocco fritto with cured meats and cold cuts, prosciutto crudo;
• Mixed grill and side dishes.

The structure is partly covered, ensuring the evenings can go ahead even in case of bad weather. Stands open in the evening, starting from 7:00 PM.

Music, shows, and tradition

In addition to good food, Cividale al Pettine offers an entertainment program that changes nightly: dancing evenings, live music, DJ sets, family-oriented activities, and original initiatives like a nighttime treasure hunt, a gastronomic challenge, and a stargazing evening organized by the Cavezzo Astronomical Observatory. The festival is an opportunity to discover the hospitality and authentic flavors of this corner of Emilia-Romagna, where village conviviality meets a passion for local cuisine.