Fontanelice Fried Flatbread Festival
The fried piadina of Fontanelice, every Easter Monday in the Santerno valley
About Fried Flatbread Festival
Fontanelice's oldest festival
The Fontanelice Fried Flatbread Festival is the Easter Monday event that defines Fontanelice, a small municipality in the Santerno valley in the province of Bologna (Emilia-Romagna). Founded in the Fifties of the twentieth century (the first editions date back to 1956-1957), it is the oldest and most beloved festival in the village: every Easter Monday the village comes alive to celebrate a humble dish of peasant tradition, the 'piè fritta'.
What is 'piè fritta'?
'Piè fritta' is a flatbread fried in lard, prepared the Fontanelice housewives' way with a few simple ingredients: water, salt, flour, and lard. Golden and fragrant, it is served hot and enjoyed with cheese and salami, accompanied by local wine. It is the gastronomic pride of the village and the heart of the entire day: stands in Piazza Roma distribute several quintals of it every year, from morning till evening.
A day of celebration
In addition to tasting, the festival offers a rich program that involves the entire village: itinerant music through the streets, photographic and artistic exhibitions set up in the library and the civic building, guided tours of the Civic Tower, a market along the streets, and attractions for children. Among the recurring initiatives, a commemorative plate in limited edition, created each year by a different artist or cartoonist, also stands out.
The donkey race
The most anticipated and spectacular moment is the donkey race, held in the afternoon at the sports field. The districts of Fontanelice — Cirenaica, Parioli, Fornione, Casetto San Pietro, Prato-Gesso, Santa Margherita, Posseggio, Campomoro, Maddalena, and San Giovanni — compete in a fun and traditional race that cheerfully concludes the day.
When and where
The festival takes place in the center of Fontanelice, with Piazza Roma as its hub, and always falls on Easter Monday. Admission is free. It is organized by the Fontanelice Fried Flatbread Festival Committee, with the gastronomic collaboration of the Fiume diVino staff. For those visiting the Bolognese Apennines and the Santerno valley, it is the ideal opportunity to discover a genuine tradition and a dish that tells the story of this territory.
Fried Flatbread Festival — edition 2026
The 70th edition of the Fontanelice Fried Flatbread Festival celebrated an important milestone for the oldest festival in Fontanelice. In Piazza Roma, approximately 12 quintals of fried flatbread were distributed from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, served with local cheese, salami, and wine.
The cultural program included the exhibition Poesie di Stoffa: via Mengoni e dintorni by Valeria Vespignani, exhibitions by middle school students, and guided tours of the Civic Tower. The itinerant band I Musicanti della Bandessa performed in the village streets. To celebrate the 70th edition, a commemorative plate designed by Melissa Zanella was created, depicting the historic SAF train and the old station.
Programme Fried Flatbread Festival 2026
Monday, April 6, 2026 — Easter Monday
- 9:00 AM — Opening of the stands in Piazza Roma: distribution of 'piè fritta' with cheese and salami, accompanied by local wine (until 7:00 PM, approx. 12 quintals)
- 9:30 AM — Itinerant music through the village streets with I Musicanti della Bandessa; opening of exhibitions in the library (Poesie di Stoffa: via Mengoni e dintorni by Valeria Vespignani) and the photographic archive
- 10:00 AM — Guided tours of the Civic Tower; exhibition of student works in the civic building
- 2:00 PM — Opening of the sports field gates
- 3:00 PM — Donkey race: competition between the districts of Fontanelice (Cirenaica, Parioli, Fornione, Casetto San Pietro, Prato-Gesso, Santa Margherita, Posseggio, Campomoro, Maddalena, and San Giovanni)
- 7:00 PM — Closing of the stands
Market and children's attractions along the village streets throughout the day.
Highlights Fried Flatbread Festival 2026
Prices Fried Flatbread Festival 2026
Practical information — Fried Flatbread Festival
How to get there
Fontanelice is located in the Santerno valley, along the Montanara state road (SS610), about 15 km from Imola. By car: from Imola, go up the Santerno valley towards Castel del Rio. The nearest train station is Imola (Bologna-Rimini line), from where you can continue by bus or car.
Admission and times
Free admission. The 'piè fritta' distribution in Piazza Roma is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The donkey race takes place in the afternoon at the sports field (gates open at 2:00 PM, start at 3:00 PM).
Tips
Falling on Easter Monday, the day is very crowded: it's advisable to arrive in the morning to park comfortably. Don't miss the 'piè fritta' served with cheese and salami and the limited edition commemorative plate.
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Where does it take place — Fried Flatbread Festival
Piazza Roma
Piazza Roma, 40025 Fontanelice