Don Ghinelli Festival

A festival that tells a century of community

The Don Ghinelli Festival is one of the most heartfelt events in the calendar of Gatteo, a small municipality in the Province of Forlì-Cesena in Emilia-Romagna, a few kilometers from the Romagna Riviera. Every year, the festival transforms the Courtyard of the Don Ghinelli Institute, on Via Mazzini, into an open-air stage where culture, entertainment, music, and faith meet for over two weeks of free events open to all citizens.

The 5th Edition and the Centenary

The fifth edition, scheduled from May 31 to June 14, 2026, has a special significance: it celebrates the Centenary of the Don Ghinelli Institute and revolves around the theme "A century of history, a heart that beats for the community." For the occasion, the festival combines solemn moments, such as religious celebrations in the Sanctuary Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, with entertainment events designed for families, young people, and music enthusiasts.

The Don Ghinelli Institute

Founded by Don Luigi Ghinelli (1848-1909) and now managed by the Opera Don Guanella, the Institute has its roots in the late nineteenth century, when it was established as a workshop for the poor children of the area. Throughout the twentieth century, it transformed into an educational and welfare hub, today welcoming young people with disabilities on a path of inclusion, rehabilitation, and growth. The festival was created precisely to enhance this history and strengthen the bond between the Institute and the community of Gatteo.

What to expect

• Theatre performances and comedies in dialect and standard language, with the participation of the Institute's centers.
• Live concerts, from experimental musical performances to tributes to great international bands.
• Art exhibitions set up in the Institute's spaces.
• Religious celebrations in the Sanctuary Church, the spiritual heart of the community.

The outdoor events take place under a large marquee, ensuring public participation in all weather conditions. The event is held under the free patronage of the Municipality of Gatteo.