Erzen Festival of Castello d'Argile
Edition 2026 Music Sacred music Gastronomy

Erzen Festival of Castello d'Argile

The most heartfelt festival in Castello d'Argile, on the first weekend of October

Castello d'Argile — Bologna (237)
Dates 02 Oct — 04 Oct 2026
Location Castello d'Argile (237)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Erzen Festival

The Festa d'Erzen is the most beloved traditional festival in Castello d'Argile, in the province of Bologna. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, it takes place every year on the first weekend of October and is an ancient tradition of the town, having already celebrated over 180 editions by 2020. Organized by the Pro Loco and the Parish of San Pietro with the patronage of the Municipality, it offers three evenings of shows and music, a rich food stand, an amusement area with rides, and the traditional charity raffle.

The most heartfelt festival in Castello d'Argile

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.

An ancient devotion: the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary

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.

Three evenings of music, flavors, and fun

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.

  • Food stand with typical Bolognese cuisine dishes
  • Live concerts and shows for three consecutive evenings
  • Rides and amusement park for children and families
  • Charity raffle to support parish and town activities
  • Religious moments and celebrations in honor of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary

A community event to experience

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.

Erzen Festival — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Festa d'Erzen will be held in Castello d'Argile from Friday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 4th, confirming the event on the first weekend of October. Three days of popular celebration dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, with a food stand, live music, rides, and a charity raffle organized by the Pro Loco and the Parish of San Pietro.

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.

Prices Erzen Festival 2026

Free admission to the festival. Food stand and rides are subject to charges.

Practical information — Erzen Festival

When

First weekend of October (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). The 2026 edition is scheduled from October 2nd to 4th.

Where

Castello d'Argile (BO), in the town center, between Piazza Gadani and the outdoor spaces of Parco Lombardini.

How to get there

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

Admission to the festival is free. The food stand and rides are subject to charges.

Information

Pro Loco Castello d'Argile - email: [email protected]. The complete program is published by the organizers closer to the event.

Festival-goer photos

No photos yet. Share yours!

Share your photos

5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)

Noticed an error or missing information?

Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.

Festival-goer reviews

No rating yet — be the first!

No comments yet. Be the first!

Were you there?

Share your experience with the community.

Where does it take place — Erzen Festival

Centro storico (Piazza Gadani, Parco Lombardini)

Contact Erzen Festival

Erzen Festival in brief

Music Sacred music Gastronomy Local produce Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Family Playful Outdoor Free Bologna

History of Erzen Festival