Nomadincontro — Augusto Daolio Award City of Novellara

A Gathering in the Spirit of Nomadi

Every year, in mid-February, the Municipality of Novellara (Province of Reggio Emilia) hosts Nomadincontro, the grand gathering of the Nomadi fanbase. The event stems from the deep bond that unites the band — one of the longest-running and most beloved groups in Italian music — to this corner of the Bassa reggiana, the homeland of Augusto Daolio, the band's historic singer and soul, who passed away in 1992. For two full days, the town fills with fans from every region of Italy, drawn by the concerts, exhibitions, and a climate of shared celebration and remembrance.

The Augusto Daolio Award

The heart of the event is the Augusto Daolio Award City of Novellara, an accolade presented each year to a personality who has distinguished themselves in the fields of civic engagement, solidarity, or culture. It is not a music award, but a tribute to Augusto's spirit, always attentive to issues of freedom, justice, and the less fortunate. Alongside this, the "Uno come noi" award is presented, named after one of the band's most famous songs.

More Than Just a Concert

Nomadincontro is not just about live music. The program combines concerts by Nomadi (usually one per day), exhibitions dedicated to the drawings and paintings of Augusto Daolio — who was also a painter — cultural meetings, conferences on social issues, and discussions with guests from the worlds of justice, associations, and culture. Various venues are involved: from the Teatro Tenda in the Area Verde, which hosts the concerts, to the Gonzaga Museum, the Tagliavini Theatre, and the former Jesuit Convent, which host the exhibitions and meetings, all within the precious Renaissance historic center dominated by the Rocca dei Gonzaga.

Novellara and the Bassa Reggiana

Located in the plain between Reggio Emilia and the Po River, Novellara retains an urban layout with a Gonzaga influence, featuring its Rocca (fortress), arcades, and the traditions of the Emilian countryside. During Nomadincontro, the entire community mobilizes to welcome visitors, in an atmosphere that combines a passion for popular singer-songwriter music with warm Emilian hospitality. It is an event that well represents the soul of Emilia-Romagna: celebration, participation, remembrance, and attention to social values.