Marelandia Festival – International Folklore Festival

A folklore festival by the sea in Cesenatico

The Marelandia Festival is an international folklore event that takes place in Cesenatico, a lively seaside resort on the Riviera Romagnola in the province of Forlì-Cesena, in Emilia-Romagna. The event brings together folk dance groups, choirs, majorettes, and musical bands from numerous countries, who present traditional costumes, music, and choreographies from their regions. The setting is the unique historic center of Cesenatico, overlooking the picturesque Leonardo Canal Port, designed according to Leonardo da Vinci's plans.

The 15th Edition 2026

The 2026 edition, the fifteenth, is scheduled from Wednesday, July 1st to Monday, July 6th. The heart of the review is the grand performance evening in the central square, where an outdoor stage is set up facing the audience. Before the performances, the groups parade along the picturesque Leonardo Canal Port, among the historic boats of the Maritime Museum, and through the small squares and monuments of the center.

How it unfolds

Each group presents its own performance lasting a few minutes, with live or recorded music, and no age limit for participants. The festival's format combines performance moments with days dedicated to discovering the territory:

• Parade of the groups along the Canal Port and gala evening on the stage in the historic center;
• Boat excursion in the Adriatic Sea, with the possibility of dolphin watching and lunch on board;
• Optional trips to San Marino, the Ravenna Safari Park, Mirabilandia, and Italia in Miniatura theme parks;
• Beach days and a visit to nearby Bologna.

A summer of traditions in Romagna

Marelandia is part of Cesenatico's rich summer calendar. Cesenatico is a seaside and fishing town with a strong maritime identity. For the public, it's a free opportunity to attend evening performances and immerse themselves in an international atmosphere, while for the participating groups, it's an organized stay that combines performances and a holiday on the Romagna coast. The organization is managed by Blue Diamond Events, a company specializing in international folklore festivals in Italy.