Festival of Cultures

A festival born to unite cultures

The Festival of Cultures is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Casina, a town in the Apennines in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. Born to foster mutual understanding among the diverse cultures present in the area, over the years it has become a symbol of integration, welcome, and dialogue, capable of transforming Parco Pineta into a small journey around the world.

It is organized by the social promotion association Effetto Notte, a very active entity in Casina's cultural and social life. The festival traditionally opens the association's busy schedule of summer activities, which continues with the Pineta Camp for children, the Pianeta Young initiatives for young people, and the "Intrecci - Sentieri tra arte e natura" review.

The protagonists: Casina's foreign communities

The true protagonists of the day are the residents of foreign origin who live in and around Casina. For a few hours, the park fills with stands, flags, decorations, and traditional clothing: each community tells the story of its country through what it holds dearest, from home recipes to everyday objects, to the music and stories from their lands of origin.

The multi-ethnic buffet

The gastronomic heart of the festival is the large multi-ethnic buffet, offered free of charge by the participating communities. It's a true world tour of scents, colors, and flavors, where each group presents the most famous dishes of its tradition. Music and entertainment are also present, accompanying the afternoon in an informal and family-friendly atmosphere.

An event for everyone

The Festival of Cultures is designed as an open and free event, suitable for families, children, and the curious of all ages. More than just a simple fair, it is an occasion for meeting: participants are invited, if they wish, to leave a free donation to support Effetto Notte's activities. A simple formula that has allowed the event to grow edition after edition, becoming an eagerly awaited appointment for the entire Casina community.