Culture Week and Book Festival
Ten days of books, readings, and culture in Ozzano dell'Emilia
About Culture Week
A week of widespread culture in Ozzano dell'Emilia
The Culture Week and Book Festival is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Ozzano dell'Emilia, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Bologna in Emilia-Romagna. For about ten days, between the beginning and middle of May, the town transforms into a widespread laboratory of ideas and words: book presentations, exhibitions, workshops, readings, performances, and screenings animate the squares, parks, schools, and cultural spaces of the area.
A theme chosen by the young people
The event is the result of collaboration between the Municipal Administration, the Ozzano Comprehensive Institute, the Library, and numerous local associations. Each edition revolves around a theme identified by the students, which becomes the common thread for meetings and workshops. This choice intertwines the school dimension with the civic one, making the Book Festival a moment of shared growth for the entire community.
Meetings with authors and guests
Alongside initiatives dedicated to schools, the program features meetings with writers, journalists, artists, and well-known personalities from sports and public life. Presentations are held in various locations in the town, from the Palazzo della Cultura to the Auditorium Pelliconi, as well as spaces hosted by local organizations. These are complemented by figurative art exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings, and creative workshops.
For children and families
Ample space is dedicated to children and teenagers: comic book, drawing, and science workshops, animated readings, flash mobs, and activities in the parks make the event a festive occasion for families. Literary walks and outdoor events combine reading with the discovery of the local area.
Culture, memory, and local identity
The Culture Week also celebrates the history and identity of Ozzano, which is linked, among other things, to the archaeological site of the Roman city of Claterna. The offerings range from literature to sports, from science to archaeology, in a deliberately multidisciplinary program open to all ages.
Free admission
Almost all events have free admission, unless otherwise indicated for specific initiatives. It's an opportunity to experience the community spirit of Ozzano dell'Emilia and discover a town just a few kilometers from Bologna that places culture at the center of public life.
Culture Week — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The 2026 Culture Week and Book Festival took place in Ozzano dell'Emilia from May 8 to 18, preceded on May 7 by a musical preview by the town band on Via della Repubblica. The theme, chosen by the students of the Comprehensive Institute, was "Nourishing Welcome. Words that unite, roots that grow."
Guests
Among the most popular events were the meeting with Alberto Tomba about the book Lo slalom più lungo (May 11), the presentation of the volume Il Ministro con la falce with Giuliano Poletti at the PHI Hotel Emilia (May 14), and the meeting with Napoleone Neri on the Bolognese cured meats tradition (May 18). There was also space for exhibitions, workshops for young people, and film screenings.
For schools and families
Illustrator Irene Penazzi led creative workshops for primary schools at Villa Torre, while squares and parks were enlivened by readings, flash mobs, and comic and painting workshops. All events had free admission.
Programme Culture Week 2026
May 7 - Musical preview with the town band (Via della Repubblica).
May 8-18 - Exhibitions, workshops, readings, presentations, and screenings in various locations in town.
- May 11 - Alberto Tomba presents Lo slalom più lungo (Centro sportivo Acqua&Fitness).
- May 14 - Giuliano Poletti presents Il Ministro con la falce (PHI Hotel Emilia); on the same day, the Book Festival with exhibitions, flash mobs, and workshops.
- May 18 - Napoleone Neri on the Bolognese cured meats tradition.
Highlights Culture Week 2026
- 2026 Theme: "Nourishing Welcome. Words that unite, roots that grow"
- Meeting with Alberto Tomba (May 11)
- Presentation with former minister Giuliano Poletti (May 14)
- Workshops for children and teenagers led by illustrator Irene Penazzi
Prices Culture Week 2026
Practical information — Culture Week
How to get here
Ozzano dell'Emilia is located along the Via Emilia (SS9), about 15 km southeast of Bologna. By car, it can be reached from the A14 (Bologna San Lazzaro or Bologna Fiera exits) and then via the Via Emilia. By train, Ozzano dell'Emilia station is served by the regional Bologna-Rimini line.
Where it takes place
Events are held in various venues within the municipality, including the Palazzo della Cultura in Piazza Allende, the Auditorium Pelliconi (Corso Garibaldi 2), the Civic Center of Ponte Rizzoli, and other spaces in the town and its hamlets.
Admission
Free admission to most events. Reservations may be required for some initiatives.
Information
Culture and Library Office of the Municipality: tel. +39 051 791370, e-mail [email protected] and [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Culture Week
Palazzo della Cultura
Piazza Allende, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia