Parco Salici in Festa: La Bigolata

The fresh pasta festival made with a press

La Bigolata is one of the most anticipated festivals of autumn in Reggiolo and takes place every year in the Parco dei Salici, the large green space that provides the setting for numerous events in the Municipality of Reggiolo, in the Bassa Reggiana area, in the province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna). The heart of the event is fresh pasta made with a press: 'bigoli' and 'maccheroni al torchio', prepared according to the peasant tradition of the Po Valley and served with different toppings that change from evening to evening.

A peasant tradition from the Bassa Reggiana

The very name of the festival refers to 'bigoli', the long, rough pasta obtained by pushing the dough through a press, an ancient technique that links the Reggiolo area to the gastronomic culture of the Po River. La Bigolata was created to promote this artisanal knowledge and to offer the community an occasion for convivial gathering, where home cooking is accompanied by moments of music and celebration. The event is organized by the Associazione Sarabiga APS, a local volunteer organization, which also hosts the 'Tortellata', a sister festival dedicated to tortelli, around the same time of year.

What to expect

• Food stalls with 'bigoli' and 'maccheroni al torchio' and various toppings
• Dishes from the Emilian tradition and homemade desserts
• Convivial outdoor atmosphere in the green Parco dei Salici
• Family-friendly space and ample free parking

When and where

La Bigolata is held in October in the Parco dei Salici in Reggiolo, with evening openings on festival days and free admission. It is an event that attracts locals and visitors from neighboring towns in the Reggiana and Mantovana plains, in an authentic village festival atmosphere.