Pasquella Festival of Meldola

The Pasquella Festival in Meldola

In the heart of the Bidente Valley, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, the Municipality of Meldola celebrates one of Emilia-Romagna's most cherished traditions every year: the Pasquella Festival. The event, promoted by the Municipal Administration in collaboration with the Pasqualotti of Meldola, takes place on the occasion of Epiphany in the charming Piazzetta Amendola, in the historic center of the town.

Who are the Pasqualotti

The Pasquella is an ancient rite of oral peasant tradition, still alive today in many forms in Romagna, the Marche region, and some areas of Umbria and Lazio. The Pasqualotti (also called befanotti or pasquellanti elsewhere) are spontaneous groups of singers and musicians who, in the days between New Year's and Epiphany, went from house to house singing the Pasquella's auspicious verses. In exchange for their songs, they received offerings of wine, food, and gifts, while wishing good luck, prosperity, and good harvests for the year just begun. In Meldola, this heritage is preserved by several local groups of Pasqualotti, who carry on its songs and melodies.

The festival program

The day comes alive in the late afternoon with performances by the various groups of Pasqualotti of Meldola, filling the square with their traditional songs and the charm of a folk festival. The program also includes:

• Entertainment for children with colorful balloons offered by Avis Meldola;
• Sweets and specialties prepared by local businesses, such as Caffetteria Senza Tempo;
• The traditional mulled wine from the Gruppo Alpini of Meldola, to warm up the winter afternoon;
• The distribution of Befana stockings to all children, with a free offering.

A festival of solidarity

The Pasquella Festival of Meldola is not just a moment of folklore and community: the proceeds from the offerings collected with the Befana stockings are donated to the Parish Caritas of Meldola, giving the event a solidarity value that strengthens its bond with the territory.

An event for the whole community

Free and open to all, the Pasquella is one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas season in Meldola. Families, children, and visitors gather in Piazzetta Amendola to share an afternoon of music, tradition, and warmth, in one of the most authentic expressions of Romagna's popular culture and Emilia-Romagna's identity.