Cogruzzo Boys' Festival

A May 1st Tradition in Cogruzzo

The Boys' Festival is one of the most cherished events in the hamlet of Cogruzzo, in the Municipality of Castelnovo di Sotto, in the province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna). It is invariably held on May 1st, Labour Day, transforming the small village in the Reggio Emilia plain into a large space for games and meeting. Born as a "festival of youth volunteering," the event has been running for over forty years and remains a reference point for families in the area.

Games, Competitions, and Community

The heart of the day is the team competitions reserved for children and young people from the Pastoral Unit's parishes. The teams arrive in the morning with their banners and compete in the oratory's sports field, accompanied by traditional musical marches. Between one challenge and another, there's no shortage of fun, with tournaments also dedicated to assistants and chaperones, leading up to the afternoon treasure hunt and the evening awards ceremony that concludes the festival.

Organized By

The festival is promoted by the ANSPI "Don Urbano Bellini" club of Cogruzzo together with the San Francesco d'Assisi Pastoral Unit, under the patronage of the Municipality of Castelnovo di Sotto. It is a parish and village event, built on the work of volunteers, which intertwines religious dimension, games, and social interaction.

Eating and Socializing

Throughout the day, the ANSPI club's bar is open, serving the classic fried gnocco, sandwiches, and chips: a delicious stop that has become an integral part of the festival, an opportunity to have lunch together outdoors between competitions.

Who It's For

The event is particularly dedicated to children and young people (competitions are open to those born between 2011 and 2019), but it actually involves the entire community: parents, grandparents, animators, and volunteers from neighboring parishes. Each year, the festival also proposes a theme for reflection related to current events and the values of the Christian community.

When to Go

The date is fixed on May 1st, with a possible postponement to the following Sunday in case of bad weather. It is a free event, ideal for those who want to discover the most authentic and popular side of the lower Reggio Emilia region, away from major events and immersed in the life of a hamlet.