May in Festival — Tortellone and Grilled Meat Festival

A village festival in the green riverside park of the Reno

Some festivals tell a story of a region better than any guide. The Tortellone and Grilled Meat Festival, known to everyone as Maggio in Festa, is one of them: it takes place at Casa Largaiolli, on Via Bagno 6, in the hamlet of Padulle di Sala Bolognese, in the heart of the plain of the Metropolitan City of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna. The villa is surrounded by greenery, away from traffic, within the Reno river park: a large area where the festival finds space for dining tables, shows, and outdoor activities.

What to eat

The heart of the festival is, of course, traditional Bolognese cuisine, prepared by volunteers. The absolute stars are the homemade tortelloni and the grilled meats, but the menu also features other great classics of Emilian cuisine: gramigna, borlenghi, and crescentine. The indoor restaurant is open every evening and, on Sundays, also for lunch: a formula that allows you to enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace, even in case of rain.

Not just food: shows, children, and nature

Maggio in Festa is not just a food festival. Every evening, the program offers live shows and music, from cover bands to dance nights, to shows for the little ones. There is a children's area with entertainment, there are markets and exhibitions, and the large park of the villa is perfect for walking, kite flying, and cycling or mountain biking along the Reno riverbanks. The last evening concludes with an eagerly awaited fireworks display.

A festival of volunteering

The event is entirely organized by the Civil Protection Volunteers of Sala Bolognese, who also set up a demonstration camp during the festival: participating means supporting the association's activities in the area. Admission is free. Nearby, those who wish to combine the festival with a visit can reach the Romanesque parish church of Santa Maria Annunziata, Palazzo Zambeccari, and the Water Ecomuseum, just a few minutes from Padulle.