Honey Extraction Festival

A festival dedicated to Apennine honey

The Honey Extraction Festival is one of the most cherished autumn events in the woods of Poranceto, in the Municipality of Camugnano, in the province of Bologna, within the Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Regional Park. The event revolves around honey extraction, the process of removing honey from the combs, an ancient gesture that the beekeepers of the Emilian mountains demonstrate live to the public, explaining the work of the bees and the deep connection between the hive and the forest.

Where it takes place: the Woods Museum

The heart of the festival is the Woods Museum in Poranceto, in the hamlet of Baigno, accessible via Via Porancè. This is a Park visitor center dedicated to the forest ecosystem and the traditional cultivation of chestnuts: an ideal setting for an outdoor day, amidst meadows, ancient chestnut groves, and trails. During the festival, a free shuttle service is provided to facilitate access to the location, which is situated in a secluded spot in the upper valley.

The day's program

The festival offers a program designed for all ages, from morning to late afternoon:

• Market of hive products featuring honey and products from local beekeepers in the area;
• Guided walk to discover the Poranceto woods, meeting at the Woods Museum, with a route suitable for families (mandatory booking and limited places);
• Educational workshops for adults and children, such as the activity "From the forest to beeswax" curated by Naturart;
• Shows for children and families, including magic, puppet shows, and clowning in the afternoon;
• Food stand managed by the associations of the Baigno community, with the option to dine on-site or bring your own packed lunch.

A mountain tradition

The Honey Extraction Festival is much more than a local fair: it's an opportunity to rediscover the typical products of the mountains, support young beekeepers, and preserve the traditions of the Apennines. The event is organized by the Management Body for Parks and Biodiversity of Emilia Orientale, in collaboration with local beekeepers and community organizations, and is often part of the regional program dedicated to the Crinali (Ridges) of the Bolognese Apennines. For those who love honey, nature, and the identity of the Emilian mountains, it is an unmissable event in the Emilia-Romagna Region's calendar.