Festival of the Frog and the Fish

A tradition of the Bassa Piacentina

The Festival of the Frog and the Fish is a historic event in the hamlet of Soarza, in the Municipality of Villanova sull'Arda, in the province of Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna). Founded at the end of the seventies, the event reached its 46th edition in 2026, confirming itself as one of the most popular festivals in the Bassa Piacentina, on the border with the province of Cremona and a short walk from the great Po river.

The event is organized with passion by the Pro Loco Amici di Soarza, which for decades has preserved and promoted the typical recipes of this land of countryside and water, where gastronomic culture intertwines with life along the courses of the Po and Arda rivers.

The kitchen takes center stage

The heart of the festival is traditional Piacenza cuisine, with the specialties that give the festival its name: frogs and catfish, prepared according to old recipes, stewed and fried. Alongside these signature dishes, you can enjoy mixed fried river and sea fish, pisarei e fasò, Piacenza tortelli with the tail, local DOP cured meats, and risotto. To complete the meal, DOC wines from the Colli Piacentini and craft beer.

Music and ballroom dancing every evening

The festival is not just about food: every evening ends with ballroom dancing and live music, a deeply felt tradition in the Emilia plain. The outdoor dance floor welcomes dancers of all ages with the great orchestras of Padan ballroom dancing, in an atmosphere of popular celebration and community.

When and where

The event takes place in the Soarza festival area, along Via XXV Aprile, at the end of May. The kitchen opens on Fridays and Saturdays from the evening, while on Sundays it is also open for lunch. Admission to the area and the dance evenings is free and open to all: you only pay for what you consume. It is an ideal event for those who want to discover the authentic flavors of the Bassa Piacentina in a family and convivial setting.