Festival of the Herring
The tradition of Ash Wednesday in Parona di Verona
About Festival of the Herring
The Ash Wednesday Ritual
The Festival of the Herring is held in Parona, a district of Verona on the Adige River, on Ash Wednesday. By tradition, this is the festival that closes the Veronese Carnival and signals the start of Lent, when fish replaces meat.
Polenta and Herring
The signature dish is polenta e renga: 'renga' is salted herring, the ultimate humble and lean food, served with yellow polenta. The district's food stalls offer this specialty along with typical Veronese products, creating a popular festive atmosphere that unites generations.
The Parade and 'Siora La Parona'
The heart of the day is the masked parade that winds through the district's streets, led by the historical figure of 'Siora La Parona'. The carnival procession moves to music, with floats and masks, concluding in Piazza del Porto.
A Verona Tradition
Organized by the Comitato Benefico Festa de la Renga (Charity Committee for the Festival of the Herring), the event is one of the most cherished on Verona's popular calendar in the Veneto region, transforming a simple city district into the stage for an identity ritual that has been repeated for over half a century.
Festival of the Herring — edition 2026
The 57th Festival of the Herring was held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Parona di Verona, on Ash Wednesday, officially closing the city's Carnival. The food stalls for tasting polenta and renga and typical Veronese products opened at 10 AM. In the afternoon, the masked parade, with 'Siora La Parona' interpreted by Stefania Sommacampagna, crossed the district, concluding in Piazza del Porto, where the procession was welcomed by Veronese actor Giovanni Vit. The event was organized by the Comitato Benefico Festa de la Renga.
Programme Festival of the Herring 2026
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- 10:00 AM — Opening of the food stalls: polenta and herring and typical Veronese products
- 3:00 PM — Start of the masked parade from Via Valpolicella, led by 'Siora La Parona'
- 4:30 PM — Arrival of the procession in Piazza del Porto, welcome by actor Giovanni Vit
Procession route: Via Valpolicella, Via Caovilla-Alessandri, Via Riolfi, Via Beltramini, Via Milani.
Highlights Festival of the Herring 2026
Prices Festival of the Herring 2026
Practical information — Festival of the Herring
How to get there
Parona is located north of Verona along the Valpolicella road. It can be reached from the city center by urban bus or car (note traffic changes on the day of the festival, with road closures from early morning).
When
The festival takes place on Ash Wednesday. Food stalls open from 10 AM, parade from the afternoon.
Admission
Free admission for the popular event; food and drinks are paid for at the stalls.
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Where does it take place — Festival of the Herring
Parona di Valpolicella
Piazza del Porto, 37124 Verona