Francigena Fidenza Festival
The festival of walks and slow tourism on the Via Francigena
About Francigena Fidenza Festival
A festival dedicated to walks and slow travel
The Francigena Fidenza Festival is the major event that, every spring, transforms Fidenza — in the province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna — into the Italian capital of walks. For six days, the city, always a fundamental stop on the Via Francigena, celebrates the union of walks, culture, and spirituality with dozens of events spread throughout the historic centre and surrounding area.
It is no coincidence that the festival is held here: Fidenza is home to the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (AEVF), the body that coordinates and promotes the network of major European pilgrimage routes. The event, organised by the Municipality of Fidenza, has in just a few years become an international benchmark for those who love slow tourism and walking routes in Italy and Europe.
A programme spread across culture and nature
The festival offers a very rich calendar that focuses on the experience of walking in all its forms:
- Walks and excursions along the Via Francigena and towards the villages of the area (Fiorenzuola d'Arda, Busseto, Fornovo Taro);
- Urban trekking and guided tours of Fidenza's symbolic sites linked to the tradition of pilgrimage, starting with the splendid Cathedral of San Donnino, a masterpiece of the Po Valley Romanesque style;
- Meetings, talks, and conferences with writers, philosophers, and travellers;
- Exhibitions, markets, and tastings of typical products, with the famous Pilgrim's Menu;
- Shows, concerts, and projects dedicated to schools.
A reflection on the meaning of travel
Each edition revolves around a theme that becomes the common thread of the cultural events. The heart of the festival is indeed the dialogues with prominent national guests, who invite the public to reflect on the meaning of walking, slowness, freedom, and personal search. Fidenza thus becomes not only a starting point for new walking experiences but also a space for thought where travel becomes a metaphor for life.
Why it's worth it
Participating in the Francigena Fidenza Festival means experiencing the city authentically, discovering a millenary historical and spiritual heritage, and embracing the philosophy of walking. Whether you are an experienced pilgrim, a curious lover of slow tourism, or simply looking for a different spring experience, this festival offers you the opportunity to slow down and set off on a journey, even if just for a few days.
Francigena Fidenza Festival — edition 2026
The sixth edition of the Francigena Fidenza Festival was held from May 5 to 10, 2026, confirming Fidenza as an international reference point for the promotion of the Via Francigena and the major European pilgrimage routes.
The chosen theme, "The walk belongs to everyone", focused on the idea of accessible and shared walking. The programme featured dozens of events including exhibitions, walks, guided tours, markets, tastings, talks, school projects, shows, and concerts, spread throughout the historic centre and the surrounding area.
Programme Francigena Fidenza Festival 2026
The edition's theme
The sixth edition revolved around the theme "The walk belongs to everyone", dedicated to the inclusivity and accessibility of the walking experience, organised by the Municipality of Fidenza with the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (AEVF).
Cultural meetings with prominent guests
The heart of the festival were the meetings dedicated to the meaning of travel, freedom, and personal search, with prominent national guests:
- Piergiorgio Odifreddi — mathematician and essayist;
- Vito Mancuso — theologian and philosopher;
- Franco Faggiani — journalist and writer;
- Marco Maccarini — television presenter;
- Eleonora Sacco — travel blogger and walker.
Walks and excursions
- Guided excursions to Fiorenzuola d'Arda, Busseto, and Fornovo Taro;
- Urban trekking and guided tours of Fidenza's symbolic sites linked to the pilgrimage tradition;
- Evening walks and experiential workshops;
- Cycling tourism options along the area's routes;
- "Slow to the Finish" — concluding walk on Saturday, May 10.
Exhibitions, markets, and tastings
The programme included thematic exhibitions, markets, tastings of typical products, shows, concerts, and projects for schools, hosted in the main locations of the historic centre, from the Cathedral of San Donnino to Piazza Garibaldi.
Mandatory booking was required for walks and guided treks.
Highlights Francigena Fidenza Festival 2026
Prices Francigena Fidenza Festival 2026
Practical information — Francigena Fidenza Festival
How to get there
Fidenza is easily reachable by train: the station is on the Milan-Bologna line and is served by regional trains and high-speed trains. By car, the motorway exit is Fidenza, on the A1 Milan-Bologna. The historic centre, where most of the events are concentrated, is a short walk from the station.
Venues
The events take place in the historic centre of Fidenza, including Piazza Garibaldi, the Cathedral of San Donnino, the G. Magnani Theatre, and other symbolic locations in the city. Excursions depart from designated points communicated each time.
Bookings and information
Many walks and guided treks require mandatory booking: check the official website for details. For information, you can contact the Fidenza Tourist Information Office (Casa Cremonini), tel. +39 0524 83377.
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Where does it take place — Francigena Fidenza Festival
Centro storico di Fidenza
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi 1, 43036 Fidenza