Lòm a Marzè

A festival that ignites spring

In the heart of the hilly Romagna region, in Marzeno, a hamlet of the Municipality of Brisighella in the province of Ravenna, one of the oldest and most evocative traditions of the area is revived every March: Lòm a Marzè, which in Romagna dialect means "Light in March". It is the festival of fire that bids farewell to winter and invokes the arrival of the good season, organized with passion by the Pro Loco of Marzeno along via Moronico.

The roots of a peasant tradition

The Lume a Marzo, also known as Lòm a Merz, has its origins in the agricultural culture of the Romagna countryside. Between the end of February and the first days of March, large bonfires were lit with brushwood and pruning residues: the fire had a propitiatory value, intended to drive away the cold and harshness of winter and welcome the arrival of spring, wishing for a favourable year for the harvests. Communities gathered around the flames to warm themselves and celebrate the rebirth of nature together, in a ritual that symbolically burned away the misfortunes of the past year.

The festival program

The event takes place over two days. On Saturday evening, the food stand opens with traditional Romagna dishes, preceded by take-away service in the late afternoon; in the evening, the square comes alive with the show of the Arpa del Diavolo (Devil's Harp), featuring live music, fire performances, and engaging atmospheres. Sunday morning is dedicated to nature with the guided walk "2 Passi in Fiore", accompanied by environmental hiking guide Enrico Laghi (G.A.E.) through the blooming hills, with a final tasting at Cà di Sopra; at noon, the food stand reopens.

The flavours of Romagna

The absolute star is the Romagna cuisine served at the stand managed by Pro Loco volunteers:

• Polenta with ragù and fried polenta
• Pasta and beans
• Sausage and grilled salami
• Meat skewers
• French fries and other homemade dishes

Between Brisighella and the Faenza Apennines

Marzeno is in a privileged position, along the Lamone valley, a few kilometres from Brisighella, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with its Donkey Alley, the Manfrediana Fortress, and the Clock Tower. The festival is the ideal opportunity to discover the most authentic Emilia-Romagna, made of popular traditions, peasant hospitality, and hilly landscapes that are tinged with the colours of the first flowers in spring.