Horse Fair

An equestrian tradition in the heart of the Bassa Reggiana

The Horse Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the calendar of Castelnovo di Sotto, a municipality in the province of Reggio Emilia located in the lower Emilia plain, in Emilia-Romagna. Listed in the official calendar of fairs of the Emilia-Romagna Region, it traditionally takes place around the second Sunday of April and transforms the town's historic center into a large open-air festival space, along Via Gramsci, Viale Marconi, and Piazza IV Novembre.

The link with the world of horses

The fair is rooted in the ancient passion that the town holds for the equestrian world. Castelnovo di Sotto was indeed the birthplace of famous trotting "drivers" such as William Casoli, Sergio Brighenti, and Paolo Iemmi, who made the history of this discipline at national and international levels. The symbolic heart of the event is the "battesimo della sella" (saddle baptism), designed for children: an opportunity to get acquainted with horse riding and to feel like little riders for a day.

What to find at the fair

The streets of the center are filled with attractions and stalls for all ages:

• Funfair and special market with street vendors and a quality market;
• Peasant village set up in the Rocca park, with vintage tractors and a re-enactment of old trades;
• Traditional games organized by UISP and recreational activities for children;
• photographic exhibitions and temporary displays set up in the town center spaces;
• local crafts and handmade items, with stalls from local associations.

The flavors of the Bassa Reggiana

The gastronomic section is one of the fair's strong points. At the "Rotonda del gusto" (Roundabout of taste), managed by local association volunteers, you can enjoy gnocco fritto, ciccioli (pork cracklings), and zero-kilometer agricultural products. There are also wine tastings promoted by local wineries and demonstrations of Parmigiano Reggiano production, a symbol of the Reggio Emilia territory. All this in a popular and family-friendly atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors every year from Castelnovo di Sotto and neighboring towns.

A celebration for the whole community

More than just a fair, the Horse Fair is a gathering moment for the entire Castelnovo community: local shops stay open, associations get involved, and the town celebrates its peasant and equestrian roots. It is on this occasion that, every year, registrations for local sports activities also open.