E Zoc ad Nadel
The Christmas log and gastronomic evenings in the heart of Dovadola
About E Zoc ad Nadel
The log that warms Dovadola's Christmas
E Zoc ad Nadel, which in Romagnol dialect means "the Christmas log," is one of the most cherished winter festivals in Dovadola, a small town in the Montone valley in the province of Forlì-Cesena, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. The event revolves around a large lit log in the center of Piazza Enrico Berlinguer: according to ancient peasant tradition, the Christmas log had to burn slowly until Epiphany to bring warmth, light, and good luck to the community for the new year.
Gastronomic evenings from Christmas Eve to Epiphany
Throughout the period from December 24th to January 6th, every evening from 7:00 PM, the historic center of Dovadola transforms into a large meeting point. Families, friends, and visitors gather around the fire to warm up with mulled wine and taste the flavors of Romagnol cuisine. The menu changes from evening to evening thanks to the voluntary work of the various town associations, who take turns managing the kitchen and service.
Dishes of the Romagnol tradition
Every evening, a good glass of mulled wine and the classic sausage and pancetta sandwich are guaranteed, along with dishes prepared by volunteers from time to time: tagliatelle al ragù, strozzapreti, passatelli in broth, polenta, pasta e fagioli, pasta e ceci, grilled meat, cotechino, and other local specialties. A simple and genuine offering, capable of showcasing Romagna's cuisine in its most popular and homemade version.
A festival made by the community
What makes E Zoc ad Nadel special is above all the spirit of participation: the festival is coordinated by the Pro Loco of Dovadola and involves numerous local entities working every evening, including Civil Protection, Avis, Parents' Group, Cyclists' Group, Parish Group, and the Tartufando Association. It is this network of volunteers that keeps alive a tradition that combines taste, warmth, and conviviality, and which every year transforms Dovadola's winter evenings into an event eagerly awaited by the entire valley.
E Zoc ad Nadel — edition 2026
For the 2025/2026 holidays, the historic center of Dovadola hosted E Zoc ad Nadel as every year, with the large Christmas log lit in Piazza Enrico Berlinguer from Christmas Eve until Epiphany. Every evening, starting at 7:00 PM, the various town associations alternated at the stoves, offering a new menu each time.
Among the evenings, the Pro Loco opened and accompanied the gastronomic calendar, while other entities brought their specialties to the table: strozzapreti with cream, speck, and radicchio, and braised pork shank with potatoes from Avis; pumpkin polenta with cheese and stew with beans and sausage from the Tartufando Association; hamburgers and fries, pasta e ceci, and Sunday porchetta, up to passatelli in broth and grilled meat. Always present, every evening, were the mulled wine and the sausage and pancetta sandwich.
Programme E Zoc ad Nadel 2026
Widespread festival on the evenings from December 24, 2025, to January 6, 2026, every evening from 7:00 PM in Piazza Enrico Berlinguer, with a menu curated in turn by Dovadola's associations. Some examples of the edition's evenings:
- December 30 — Avis: strozzapreti with cream, speck, and radicchio; braised pork shank with potatoes.
- January 2 — Tartufando Association: pumpkin polenta with cheese; stew with beans and sausage.
- January 3 — hamburgers and fries, pasta e ceci, Sunday porchetta.
- January 5 — passatelli in broth and grilled meat.
Every evening: mulled wine and sausage and pancetta sandwich.
Highlights E Zoc ad Nadel 2026
- The large Christmas log lit in the square, a symbol of Romagnol tradition
- A different menu every evening, prepared by the town's associations
- Mulled wine and typical Romagnol dishes in the historic center, from December 24th to January 6th
Prices E Zoc ad Nadel 2026
Practical information — E Zoc ad Nadel
Where
Piazza Enrico Berlinguer, in the historic center of Dovadola (FC), Emilia-Romagna.
When
From Christmas Eve (December 24th) to Epiphany (January 6th). The stands open every evening from 7:00 PM.
Admission and costs
Admission to the festival in the square is free. You only pay for what you consume at the food stands, with affordable prices.
Information
Pro Loco Dovadola — tel. +39 348 7385574, e-mail [email protected]. Updates on the program and menus for individual evenings on the Pro Loco's social media channels (Facebook and Instagram).
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Where does it take place — E Zoc ad Nadel
Piazza Enrico Berlinguer (centro storico)
Piazza Enrico Berlinguer, 47013 Dovadola