The most heartfelt festival in Castello d'Argile, on the first weekend of October
The Festa d'Erzen is the most anticipated event of the year for the inhabitants of Castello d'Argile, a town in the plain north of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna. As tradition dictates, it is held every year on the first weekend of October, from Friday to Sunday, enlivening the town center with three days of popular celebration. "Erzen" is the name in the Bolognese dialect with which the locals have called this event for generations.
The festival originated as a religious event dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary (Our Lady of the Rosary) and is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the area. By 2020, it had already reached over one hundred and eighty editions, a sign of secular continuity that binds the community to its parish. Alongside religious events, with Holy Masses and moments of devotion, the Festa d'Erzen has also evolved over time into a grand town festival, capable of attracting families and visitors from neighboring towns in the Bolognese plain.
The heart of the festival is the rich food stand, where you can taste traditional Emilian dishes and specialties prepared by Pro Loco volunteers. The evenings are accompanied by live shows and music, with concerts by groups and bands that liven up the square until late at night. There is also an amusement area with rides for the little ones and the traditional charity raffle, the proceeds of which support community activities.
The Festa d'Erzen is organized by the Pro Loco of Castello d'Argile together with the Parish of San Pietro, with the patronage of the Municipality and the collaboration of local associations. It is a free, outdoor event designed to bring the entire community together around its roots, amidst faith, tradition, good food, and cheerfulness. For those who want to discover an authentic Emilian town festival, far from the most famous tourist destinations, the Festa d'Erzen offers a genuine opportunity to immerse themselves in the life and flavors of the Bolognese plain.
The Festa d'Erzen 2026 is scheduled in Castello d'Argile (BO) from Friday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 4th, on the usual first weekend of October. The date is confirmed by the Municipality's event calendar and the Emilia-Romagna regional fair register.
As per tradition, the festival will offer three evenings of live shows and music, the rich food stand with Emilian cuisine dishes, the amusement area with rides, and the charity raffle, alongside religious celebrations in honor of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary. The detailed program, with times, concerts, and menus, will be published by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event.
First weekend of October (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). The 2026 edition is scheduled from October 2nd to 4th.
Castello d'Argile (BO), in the town center, between Piazza Gadani and the outdoor spaces of Parco Lombardini.
By car from Bologna along the SP4 "Galliera" heading north (approx. 25 km). By train, the reference station is on the Bologna-Ferrara line; intercity bus services to Reno Galliera are also available from Bologna.
Admission to the festival is free. The food stand and rides are subject to charges.
Pro Loco Castello d'Argile - email: [email protected]. The complete program is published by the organizers closer to the event.
No photos yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Centro storico (Piazza Gadani, Parco Lombardini)