E trèb in piàza
The Romagnol trebbo that lights up Epiphany in Cotignola
About E trèb in piàza
The trebbo returns to the square in Cotignola
Every year, in the first days of January, the center of Cotignola, in the province of Ravenna, lights up with "E trèb in piàza", one of the most cherished events of the winter calendar in Bassa Romagna. The name refers to the trebbo (in Romagnol dialect trèb), the ancient peasant custom of gathering around the fire on long winter evenings to tell stories, sing, and spend time together. That tradition is revived today in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where music, gastronomy, games, and conviviality intertwine for three days.
Three days of celebration between braziers and bagpipes
The atmosphere is that of the village festivals of the past: lit braziers warm the square while the sound of the Scottish bagpipe resonates. The program alternates concerts by local groups, clown and street performances, the lighting of the Christmas log, and children's choirs from local schools. The event is designed for all ages, with particular attention to families and the youngest.
The cuisine of Bassa Romagna
The heart of the festival are the food stalls, which offer the best of Romagnol tradition: cappelletti, tagliatelle, passatelli, piadina, porchetta, polenta, pasta e fagioli, arrosticini, gnocco fritto, stew, as well as desserts and chestnuts. There is no shortage of wine, beer, and grappa from the Alpini. It's an opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of this corner of Emilia-Romagna in a popular festive atmosphere.
The arrival of the Befana
The most anticipated moment is January 6th, Epiphany Day: in the afternoon, the Befana arrives with stockings for the children and hot chocolate for everyone, followed by shows and the gospel concert that beautifully concludes the event. A day that combines the magic of the festival with the warmth of the community.
A festival born from the territory
"E trèb in piàza" is organized by the Pro Loco of Cotignola together with the numerous local associations—Alpini, Avis, the Cotignola cycling club, and many other local entities—with the coordination of the municipal administration. It is a festival made by the people for the people, a genuine expression of the identity of Bassa Romagna and its connection to popular traditions.
E trèb in piàza — edition 2026
The 2026 edition animated Cotignola for three days of celebration. It opened on Sunday, January 4th with the "Cappelletti Gravel", a 70 km cycling tour, followed by lunch in the square with braziers and musical entertainment; in the afternoon, the Loco-Motiv and Drum Circle shows, in the evening the concerts by Sorci Verdi and Doctor Folk. Monday, January 5th, at 4 PM, the lighting of the Christmas log with children's choirs, the Baloons clown show, and concerts by Tuned and Sfoja Lorda. Tuesday, January 6th, Epiphany Day, lunch in the square with music by Ben Hur, games for children, and at 4 PM, the arrival of the Befana with stockings and hot chocolate, the show "La mosca Parapiglia", and the grand finale with the gospel concert by The Marchings Saints.
Programme E trèb in piàza 2026
Sunday, January 4th
- Morning: "Cappelletti Gravel", 70 km cycling tour
- Lit braziers and sound of the Scottish bagpipe in the square
- From 12 PM: lunch in the square with musical entertainment
- Afternoon: Loco-Motiv and Drum Circle shows
- Evening: concerts by Sorci Verdi and Doctor Folk
Monday, January 5th
- 4 PM: lighting of the Christmas log with children's choirs
- Baloons clown show
- Concerts by Tuned and Sfoja Lorda
Tuesday, January 6th (Epiphany)
- From 11 AM: lunch in the square with music by Ben Hur
- Games and surprises for children
- 4 PM: arrival of the Befana with stockings and hot chocolate
- Show "La mosca Parapiglia"
- Grand finale: gospel concert by The Marchings Saints
Food stalls: open Sunday and Tuesday (11 AM-2 PM and 5:30 PM-10 PM), Monday only for dinner (from 5:30 PM). Menu with cappelletti, tagliatelle, passatelli, piadina, porchetta, polenta, pasta e fagioli, arrosticini, gnocco fritto, stew, desserts and chestnuts; wine, beer, and grappa.
Highlights E trèb in piàza 2026
- The Romagnol trebbo in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
- Lit braziers and Scottish bagpipe
- Live concerts and shows for families
- Arrival of the Befana on Epiphany with stockings and hot chocolate
- Final gospel concert by The Marchings Saints
- Food stalls with specialties from Bassa Romagna
Prices E trèb in piàza 2026
Practical information — E trèb in piàza
Where
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, in the historic center of Cotignola (RA), in Emilia-Romagna.
How to get there
By car: Cotignola can be reached from the A14 (Lugo-Cotignola or Faenza exit) and the Via Emilia. By train: the nearest station is Lugo, a few kilometers away, on the Castel Bolognese-Ravenna line. Bus connections are available from Ravenna and Faenza.
Costs
Admission to the event is free. Only consumption at the food stalls is charged.
Tips
The event takes place outdoors in the middle of winter: warm clothing is recommended. The braziers in the square help to keep warm between one show and another.
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Where does it take place — E trèb in piàza
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 48033 Cotignola