Handmade Tortellini Festival

Handmade Tortellini Takes Center Stage in Bentivoglio

The Handmade Tortellini Festival is one of the most beloved gastronomic events in Bentivoglio, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna. At the heart of the event is the signature dish of Bolognese cuisine: tortellini rolled and hand-closed, prepared by volunteer pasta makers with the patience and care of yesteryear. It is precisely this artisanal work, made with fresh pasta dough and traditional filling, that gives the festival its name and distinguishes it from industrial offerings.

A Community Celebration in the Bolognese Plain

The festival takes place at the Centro del Volontariato on Via Enrico Berlinguer, as part of the Festa de l'Unità organized by the local Democratic Party club. It is one of those village festivals where food becomes an occasion for gathering: shared tables, service curated by volunteers, and that genuine, welcoming atmosphere that characterizes festivals in the Bolognese plain. Entry is free, and you pay for what you consume at the festival restaurant.

The Traditional Menu

The star dish remains tortellini, offered in several versions:

• Tortellini in broth, the classic recipe for Emilian celebrations
• Tortellini with cream sauce and with ragù
• Gramigna pasta with sausage and mushrooms and other traditional first courses
• Meat second courses such as grilled castrato (mutton) and grilled sausage
• Side dishes, homemade desserts, and options with speck and zucchini

For those who cannot dine in, takeaway service is available by reservation, with pickup starting in the late morning.

Hours and Schedule

The festival livens up Friday and Saturday evenings, with the kitchen opening at 7:00 PM, while Sunday is dedicated to lunch, starting at noon. Three days to savor handmade tortellini and breathe in the warmth of a true Bolognese village festival.