Flower Festival
The flower market of April 25th in the village of Castel del Rio
About Flower Festival
A Colorful Invasion in the Heart of the Apennines
The Flower Festival is the event that, every April 25th, opens the season of major events in the upper Santerno Valley, in the Municipality of Castel del Rio, Province of Bologna (Emilia-Romagna). For an entire day, the village transforms into one of the largest markets in the Bolognese Apennines: over seventy exhibitors including florists, nursery gardeners, artisans, hobbyists, and local producers color Piazza della Repubblica and the streets of the historic center, from Palazzo Alidosi to Via della Resistenza and Via Montanara.
Between Flowers, Crafts, and Local Products
The stalls offer plants, flowers directly from producers, handmade creations, and unique pieces of local craftsmanship. The event is also an opportunity to discover the flavors of the valley: food stalls offer refreshments throughout the day, in a spring atmosphere designed for families of all ages.
Workshops, History, and Culture
The festival combines nature and shopping with history: during the day, you can visit the Museum of War and the Gothic Line housed in Castel del Rio, while Palazzo Alidosi opens its spaces to the public. There are also creative workshops for children, such as planting succulents. The date coincides with the celebrations of the anniversary of the Liberation, accompanied by institutional commemorations.
The Event That Opens the Season
Organized by the Pro Loco Alidosiana with the support of local volunteers, the Flower Festival is the first of the major events that liven up Castel del Rio throughout the year, followed by the famous Renaissance Festivals, the Porcini Mushroom Festival, the Truffle Festival, and the IGP Chestnut Festival, a true gastronomic excellence of the valley.
Flower Festival — edition 2026
The 32nd edition of the Flower Festival was held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, marking the official opening of the major events calendar for the upper Santerno Valley. Organized by the Pro Loco Alidosiana with the contribution of Arci and volunteers, the event filled the village with color throughout the day.
The market, one of the largest in the Bolognese Apennines, brought together over seventy exhibitors along the route from Palazzo Alidosi to Piazza della Repubblica, Via della Resistenza, and Via Montanara. For the little ones, the creative workshop "Le piantine di Piera" (planting succulents) was offered, while Palazzo Alidosi and the Museum of War and the Gothic Line opened their doors to visitors. The day coincided with the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Liberation.
Programme Flower Festival 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Morning — Opening of the flower market: over 70 exhibitors including florists, nursery gardeners, artisans, hobbyists, and local producers along the route from Palazzo Alidosi to Piazza della Repubblica, Via della Resistenza, and Via Montanara.
- Throughout the day — Creative workshop for children "Le piantine di Piera" (planting succulents).
- Throughout the day — Food stall in Sala Coop and refreshments along the village streets.
- Throughout the day — Opening of Palazzo Alidosi with the "La Cantinaccia" space on the ground floor and visit to the Museum of War and the Gothic Line.
- Institutional commemorations for the anniversary of the Liberation.
Highlights Flower Festival 2026
Prices Flower Festival 2026
Practical information — Flower Festival
How to Get There
Castel del Rio is located along the SS 610 Montanara, in the upper Santerno Valley, about 35 km from Imola. By car: take the Imola exit from the A14 motorway, then follow SP610 towards Florence. The nearest train station is Imola, from which you can continue by bus or car.
When
Always on April 25th. The market opens in the late morning and continues throughout the day.
Admission
Admission to the festival and market is free.
Information
Pro Loco Alidosiana — email: [email protected], tel. +39 338 3384123.
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Where does it take place — Flower Festival
Centro storico di Castel del Rio
Piazza della Repubblica, 40022 Castel del Rio