Festival of Kites

A tradition over forty years old

The Festival of Kites is one of the most beloved and long-standing events in Castel Bolognese, a municipality in the province of Ravenna in the heart of Romagna, Emilia-Romagna. Its history began in 1981, when the cultural animation club Ciak decided to reintroduce children to the pleasure of a simple and ancient game like kite flying, at a time when electronic toys were beginning to take over. The first edition, scheduled for April 26, 1981, and then postponed to May 1st due to bad weather, was a success that marked the beginning of a tradition destined to last.

After the initial editions organized by Circolo Ciak, the event became a municipal tradition, now organized by the Municipality of Castel Bolognese with the support of the Union of Romagna Faentina. After many editions held in the meadow on Via Bologna, the festival now takes place in the sports area on Via Donati.

When and where

The event is traditionally held on May 1st, starting in the afternoon, at the sports field on Via Donati 25. The green, open space is the ideal setting for flying kites and for welcoming families and children safely.

The program

The day is structured around three main activities, designed to actively involve children:

• Kite building workshop, during which each child can create their own personalized kite to fly high in the sky;
• Games and entertainment for the little ones, managed by specialized operators;
• Kite flying, the central and most anticipated moment, when the creations built during the afternoon finally take flight.

To round off the festival, in recent editions, snacks have been offered to participants, fostering a spirit of sharing that has always been a hallmark of the event.

An experience for the whole family

More than just an event, the Festival of Kites is an opportunity to experience the local area together, spend time outdoors, and rediscover the joy of shared activities, allowing space for imagination and manual work. It is an intergenerational gathering that is part of the collective memory of Castel Bolognese and continues to attract numerous families from the town and surrounding areas each year.

Castel Bolognese and Romagna Faentina

Located along the ancient Via Emilia, between Imola and Faenza, Castel Bolognese retains the charm of Romagna villages, with its square, its traditions, and a lively community life. A visit to the Festival of Kites can also be an opportunity to discover the town and its territory, rich in history and good Romagna cuisine.