Gelati, Gardens & Orchards Festival

A Day Dedicated to Greenery in the Reggiano Apennines

"Gelati, Giardini & Frutteti in festa" is the May 1st event that annually transforms the center of Carpineti, in the heart of the Reggiano Apennines in the province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna), into a large open-air garden. Organized by the association Carpineti da Vivere together with the Municipality of Carpineti and numerous local businesses and associations, the event dedicates an entire day to the world of nature, flowers, and local flavors.

Where and When

The festival takes place in Piazza della Repubblica and Via Crispi, in the historic center of the town, and unfolds throughout the day with stalls, stands, workshops, and entertainment. It's an opportunity to visit Carpineti in spring, when the Reggiano Apennines are at their best and the village comes alive with colors and scents.

The Flower, Plant, and Craft Market

The heart of the event is the floricultural market, with exhibitors of flowers and plants alongside craft stalls and creative operators. Among the offerings are local nursery growers and green industry professionals, who provide advice on gardens, orchards, and vegetable patches, in line with the "green" spirit that gives the festival its name.

Flavors of Carpineti Tradition

The food stalls offer traditional specialties from Carpineti and the Reggiano Apennines:

• Scarpazzone (mountain savory pie) and gnocco fritto (fried dumplings)
• Cappelletti (stuffed pasta), cured meats, cheeses, and grilled meat
• Dishes based on honey and local typical products
• The famous fruit and vegetable ice creams, as well as "pet ice cream" for animals
• Vegetarian options like burgers and bruschetta

Workshops, Show Cooking, and Performances

The program includes numerous open-air workshops for adults and children: activities dedicated to greenery, workshops on bees and beehives, preparation of semifreddos and desserts, as well as show cooking sessions on seasonal products like strawberries and asparagus. For the little ones, there are puppet shows, soap bubble performances, games in the square, and creative workshops with seeds and natural materials, while local associations offer storytelling, entertainment, and environmental education.

A Community Celebration at the Foot of the Castle

More than just a fair, "Gelati, Giardini & Frutteti in festa" is a community event that brings together the town and visitors from the surrounding areas on Labor Day. Carpineti, dominated by the famous Matildic castle linked to the figure of Matilde di Canossa, thus offers an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Emilia-Romagna, amidst gastronomic tradition, green culture, and Apennine hospitality.