Festival of Sabadone – The Sweet of Saint Paul

The Festival of Sabadone in Massa Lombarda

Every year, in the second half of January, the historic center of Massa Lombarda, in the province of Ravenna and in the heart of Bassa Romagna, comes alive for the Festival of Sabadone, subtitled "The Sweet of Saint Paul". The event, organized by the Pro Loco of Massa Lombarda, is one of the most cherished local traditions and is part of the rich calendar of celebrations for the Patron Saint Saint Paul (in Romagnolo dialect San Pêval di segn), celebrated on January 25th.

What is Sabadone

The sabadone is a typical dessert from the Romagnolo peasant tradition, which is difficult to find outside of this festival today. It is a filled sweet made with chestnut flour, mostarda, and dried fruit, whose fundamental ingredient is saba: a dense syrup obtained from the slow boiling of grape must, cooked over low heat until it transforms into a dark, full-bodied cream. It is precisely from the saba that the sabadone gets its name. An ancient recipe, passed down from generation to generation, that tells the story of the poor but ingenious cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna countryside.

In Piazza Matteotti

The heart of the event is the food stand set up by the Pro Loco in Piazza Matteotti, where you can taste and buy sabadoni accompanied by other local specialties: polenta with ragù and stuffed piadine. Around the festival, there are exhibitions, stalls, a market, and amusement park rides, which liven up the town for several days.

The Feast of Saint Paul

The Festival of Sabadone is not an isolated event, but the delicious core of the patronal feast of Saint Paul, which in Massa Lombarda extends for several weeks between January and February with religious celebrations, concerts, theatrical performances, and exhibitions. The most solemn moment is the Mass on January 25th in the Parish Church of Saint Paul. Experiencing the festival means immersing yourself in a community celebration that combines faith, culture, and gastronomy, in an authentic corner of Emilia-Romagna far from the most beaten tourist paths.

Why it’s worth it

• A rare and iconic dessert that can almost only be found here, during the festival.
• An opportunity to discover Bassa Romagna during the quietest and most genuine period of the year.
• A true village festival, animated by the volunteer work of the Pro Loco and linked to the devotion to the patron saint.