Green Night at the Ecomuseum

A night among the huts of Villanova

The Green Night at the Ecomuseum is one of the most evocative events of the summer in Villanova di Bagnacavallo, a small hamlet of the Municipality of Bagnacavallo in the province of Ravenna, along the bank of the Lamone river. The event takes place within the 'Villanova delle Capanne' ethno-park, the open-air section of the Ecomuseum of Marsh Herbs, where traditional huts made of reeds and marsh grasses have been reconstructed.

The idea is as simple as it is fascinating: to spend an entire night outdoors, in a tent, surrounded by greenery and the evidence of ancient know-how. It is an event designed primarily for families with children, who can share an adventure outside of everyday life, filled with games, nature, and stories under the stars.

The link with the tradition of marsh herbs

The Green Night was born from the Ecomuseum of Marsh Herbs, a cultural center active since 1985 that documents and preserves the ancient art of weaving marsh grasses. For centuries, from the 14th to the 1970s, the inhabitants of Villanova collected reeds, sedges, and rushes to make mats, caned chairs, brooms, and everyday objects. That heritage of artisan crafts and popular traditions is revived today thanks to the association that manages the Ecomuseum and organizes the event.

What to do during the Green Night

The program combines various activities, all focused on contact with nature and conviviality:

• Setting up tents and welcome snack in the late afternoon;
• Nature workshops for children and teenagers, focusing on the world of insects and air phenomena;
• Communal dinner with the flavors of Romagnol cuisine, from garganelli with garden sauce to grilled meats, and grandmother's desserts;
• Evening shows with puppet theater, fairy tales, and live music;
• the night in a tent within the ethno-park, followed by breakfast in the morning.

Mandatory booking is required, and each participant brings their own tent and sleeping equipment. The event takes place on a single evening, usually at the beginning of July, and represents an original way to discover Bassa Romagna and the Po Delta Park area.