Mountain Parmigiano Reggiano Fair
Four days in the heart of the Reggiano Apennines to celebrate the King of Cheeses
About Parmigiano Fair of Casina
The festival of the King of Cheeses on the Reggiano Apennines
Every year, at the beginning of August, the small Municipality of Casina, in the Province of Reggio Emilia, transforms into the capital of Mountain Parmigiano Reggiano. The Mountain Parmigiano Reggiano Fair is one of the longest-standing and most characteristic food and wine events of the Emilian Apennines: four full days, from Friday to Monday, during which the historic center of the town fills with stalls, aromas, music, and visitors from all over Emilia-Romagna and beyond.
At the center of it all is him, Parmigiano Reggiano produced in the mountains, the one born in the high-hill and Apennine dairies of the four production provinces. It is a special product, with a more intense flavor and a history linked to the pastures and village dairies: in Casina, you can taste it at different aging stages, buy it directly from producers, and pair it with local honeys, wines, vinegars, and grappas.
The Palio del Parmigiano and the City of Cheese
The most anticipated moment is the Palio del Parmigiano Reggiano (also known as Palio Città di Casina), the challenge that pits mountain cheese wheels against each other, divided by aging. Alongside the Palio, the spectacular Wheel Cutting Competition takes place, where cheesemakers open the large wheels with traditional almond-shaped knives in front of the public. In 2025, during the 59th edition, Casina was awarded the title of City of Cheese by ONAF (National Organization of Cheese Tasters), an award that recognizes locations that are nationally representative for Parmigiano Reggiano production.
Not just cheese
The Fair is not just about gastronomy. Throughout the four days, there are traveling markets and agri-food stalls, concerts and live music in the squares, ballroom and country dancing, magic shows, entertainment for children, fashion shows, show cooking, and fireworks displays. There is also space for history, with visits to the nearby Castle of Sarzano accompanied by guides in medieval costume and re-enactments with archers. It is a complete popular festival, capable of combining the cheese-making tradition of the Reggiano Apennines with the summer fun of a large village fair.
Parmigiano Fair of Casina — edition 2026
The 60th edition
The 60th Mountain Parmigiano Reggiano Fair opens on August 1st, 2026, in Casina (RE), in the heart of the Reggiano Apennines. The start date is officially registered in the public area fairs portal of the Emilia-Romagna Region; as per tradition, the event spans four days, from Friday to Monday.
For this edition too, the agri-food market with mountain dairy stalls, guided tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano in various aging stages, the Palio del Parmigiano with the Wheel Cutting Competition are expected, as well as concerts, shows, entertainment, and historical re-enactments at Sarzano Castle.
The complete program, with times, squares, and guests, will be published by the Municipality of Casina in the weeks leading up to the fair.
Programme Parmigiano Fair of Casina 2026
The detailed program for the 60th edition in 2026 will be announced by the Municipality of Casina in the weeks preceding the event.
Based on recent editions, the fair is structured over four days (Friday to Monday) with the following typical schedule:
- Morning and afternoon — Traveling market and agri-food stalls in the town center, Mountain Parmigiano Reggiano stand with tastings and direct sales from dairies.
- Afternoon — Conferences, guided tastings, and pairings (honeys, wines, vinegars, grappas); visits to Sarzano Castle with costumed guides and archery competitions.
- Evening — Concerts and live music, ballroom and country dancing, magic shows, entertainment for children, and parades in the town squares.
- Last day — Wheel Cutting Competition and Palio del Parmigiano Reggiano (Palio Città di Casina), with the challenge between mountain dairies divided by aging, and a final fireworks display.
Highlights Parmigiano Fair of Casina 2026
- 60th edition of the historic fair of the Reggiano Apennines
- Palio del Parmigiano Reggiano and Wheel Cutting Competition
- Tastings of Mountain Parmigiano Reggiano in various aging stages
- Casina, ONAF City of Cheese since 2025
Prices Parmigiano Fair of Casina 2026
Practical information — Parmigiano Fair of Casina
When
In early August, typically from Friday to Monday (4 days). In 2026, the fair starts on August 1st.
Where
Historic center of Casina (RE), Emilia-Romagna: Piazza IV Novembre, Piazza Agorà , Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, and the town's streets. Sarzano Castle for visits and re-enactments.
Admission
Access to the fair and events is free. Tastings and purchases at the stalls are subject to a fee.
How to get there
Casina is located in the Reggiano Apennines, along the SS63 connecting Reggio Emilia to Passo del Cerreto, about 30 km from the provincial capital. By car is the most convenient means; in summer, there are extra-urban bus connections from Reggio Emilia.
Contacts
Municipality of Casina, tel. +39 0522 604712, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Parmigiano Fair of Casina
Centro storico di Casina
Piazza IV Novembre, 42034 Casina