FestUnità dei Gessi
The Festa de l'Unità at Carteria Park, between Pianoro and the Bologna Gessi
About FestUnità dei Gessi
A popular festival at the foot of the Bologna Gessi
The FestUnità dei Gessi is the summer event that transforms the Carteria Park, in the Carteria di Sesto area of Rastignano, a hamlet of the Municipality of Pianoro (Metropolitan City of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna), into a large meeting point for the area. It is a Festa de l'Unità, the historic popular festival born after the war and now promoted by the Democratic Party: here, the circles of Pianoro and San Lazzaro di Savena bring it to life, with the work of dozens of volunteers.
The name refers to the nearby Gessi Bolognesi and Calanchi dell'Abbadessa Regional Park, the protected area that characterizes this strip of the Apennines between the Savena and Idice valleys. The festival is a well-established tradition in the valley floor, frequented by families, groups of friends, and residents of nearby towns.
Traditional cuisine, fish, and osteria
The heart of FestUnità dei Gessi is the food stand, with a kitchen that serves traditional Emilian dishes and a menu dedicated to fish and cod. Next to the restaurant, there is also an osteria with more refined offerings and a bar, perfect for those who want to stop and chat after dinner. The stand is open every evening for dinner, while on holidays it is also open for lunch.
Music, dancing, and political space
The evenings are accompanied by live music, dancing, and entertainment, in true Festa de l'Unità style. There is also a political space, with debates and public meetings that have always been an integral part of these festivals. A play area is set up for the little ones, so families can enjoy the festival with peace of mind.
An event for the Pianoro area
More than just a gastronomic event, FestUnità dei Gessi is a moment of sociality and community for Pianoro and the municipalities in the Savena valley. Carteria Park, easily accessible and served by public transport, becomes for a few weeks the meeting point for an area that continues to identify with this long-standing Emilian popular tradition.
FestUnità dei Gessi — edition 2026
The FestUnità dei Gessi 2026 takes place from May 29 to June 15 at Carteria Park, in Rastignano (Pianoro), organized by the Democratic Party circles of Pianoro and San Lazzaro di Savena. The food stand offers traditional Emilian cuisine along with a line dedicated to fish and cod, alongside an osteria with more refined offerings and a bar.
Every evening the festival offers dinner, while on holidays it also opens for lunch. The evenings are enlivened by live music and dancing, with space for political debates and a children's play area. Admission is free.
Programme FestUnità dei Gessi 2026
Festival structure
- Food stand — dinner every evening (approximately 7:00 PM-10:00 PM); lunch on holidays (12:00 PM-1:45 PM). Traditional Emilian cuisine, fish, and cod.
- Osteria and bar — more refined offerings and convivial moments.
- Live music and dancing — musical evenings and ballroom dancing throughout the event.
- Political space — debates and public meetings.
- Children's area — play area dedicated to families.
The detailed schedule of individual music evenings and meetings is released by the organizing circles and updated during the festival.
Highlights FestUnità dei Gessi 2026
Prices FestUnità dei Gessi 2026
Practical information — FestUnità dei Gessi
Where it takes place
Carteria Park, Via Nazionale 56/2, Carteria di Sesto area, Rastignano (hamlet of Pianoro), 40067 — Metropolitan City of Bologna.
Opening hours
Food stand open every evening for dinner (approximately from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM). On holidays, lunch service is also available (approximately 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM).
How to get there
The park is located along Via Nazionale, near the terminus of bus line 96/A connecting Bologna to Rastignano and Pianoro. Parking is available nearby.
Bookings and contacts
Information and group bookings: tel. +39 328 0153670 (and +39 339 3015221 for large groups). Admission to the festival is free.
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Where does it take place — FestUnità dei Gessi
Parco Pianoro Carteria, Rastignano
Via Nazionale 56/2, Loc. Carteria di Sesto, 40067 Pianoro