Maccherone al Pettine Festival

A festival dedicated to maccherone al pettine

In Pieve di Cento, a small municipality in the Metropolitan City of Bologna overlooking the Reno River and nicknamed "Little Bologna" for its arcades and compact historic centre, one of the most beloved gastronomic festivals of the plain takes place every summer: the Maccherone al Pettine Festival. In 2026, it will reach its 36th edition, organized by the Pro Loco of Pieve di Cento, celebrating a format of fresh egg pasta that is still made here the traditional way.

What is maccherone al pettine?

Maccherone al pettine is a traditional Emilian pasta made from dough rolled strictly by hand with a rolling pin. Local pasta makers roll each small rectangle of dough around a thin stick and slide it over a loom comb, the ancient tool used for processing hemp: this creates the characteristic ridges that hold the sauce. It is a slow and patient process, making each dish the result of artisanal knowledge passed down through generations.

Traditional sauces

The heart of the festival is the sauce counter. Offerings range from classic Bolognese ragù to ragù with peas, from delicate ham sauce to parmesan cream with guanciale, and a vegetarian option. However, the signature dish remains the "sugo alla pievese", a local specialty made with pork cotechino that embodies the town's identity more than any other. For those who want to taste everything, a "tris di maccheroni" with three different sauces is also available.

More than just first courses

Alongside the maccheroni, the stalls offer second courses of Emilian and grilled cuisine: grilled meats, tagliata, cotoletta, sausage with baked potatoes, as well as vegetable side dishes, salads, and traditional desserts. Dinner is served under the large Multi-purpose Hall of the "Francesco Cavicchi" Sports Centre, in a family-friendly and convivial atmosphere typical of village festivals.

A local event

The festival is much more than a dinner: it is a moment of community where Pieve di Cento, in the Province of Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region, showcases its gastronomic heritage and the passion of the Pro Loco volunteers. For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic flavour rarely found in restaurants and to experience the genuine hospitality of the lower Bolognese region.