Pea Festival of Roncofreddo

The pea festival in the Rubicone hills

For over half a century, every third weekend of May, the small village of Roncofreddo, in the province of Forlì-Cesena (Emilia-Romagna), dedicates two days to its most beloved product: the sweet pea from the Rubicone hills. The Pea Festival, established in 1969, is one of the longest-running and most cherished festivals in Romagna, attracting curious visitors and food lovers from all over the region every year.

A tradition that starts in the fields

The heart of the festival is the fresh pea, harvested from the fields around the village and shelled by hand by the locals in the days leading up to the event. These peas form the basis of the dishes served in the restaurant area, where Romagna cuisine meets seasonal produce in simple, authentic recipes. Alongside the peas, local farmers showcase spring produce such as broad beans, artichokes, and other vegetables, along with local wines, extra virgin olive oils, pickles, jams, honey, and cheeses.

Market, music, and re-enactments

Throughout the festival, the streets of the historic center come alive with an agricultural market, craftspeople, and vendors, while live music, performances, and children's areas animate the squares. The historical and folkloric dimension is also present, with the re-enactment of the pea market, traditional Romagna whip cracking, and performances by singer-songwriters in the village streets.

A village to discover

The Pea Festival is also the perfect opportunity to discover Roncofreddo, an ancient hilltop village just a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast of Cesenatico and Rimini, with its museums, churches, and views over the Rubicone valley. Organized by the revitalized Pro Loco Roncofreddo, the event combines gastronomy, culture, and social interaction in a village gathering that renews itself while staying true to its roots.