Pilgrim Festival

A neighborhood festival in the heart of Faenza

The Pilgrim Festival is one of the most cherished events in Faenza's calendar, organized by the Rione Rosso, one of the four districts that animate city life and the Palio del Niballo. The event takes place in the Ganga Suburb, the ancient district of the Municipality of Faenza, in the province of Ravenna, and celebrates a heritage of history, popular traditions, and devotion rooted in the Middle Ages.

Blessed Nevolone and the pilgrim's journey

The name of the festival refers to the figure of Blessed Nevolone, a shoemaker from Faenza who lived in the 13th century in the Ganga Suburb and is venerated as the patron saint of shoemakers. His life, marked by pilgrimages and deep spirituality, inspires the theme of the journey that runs through the entire event: a physical and symbolic trip through the streets of the district, rediscovering the churches, courtyards, and hidden corners of the village.

The 2026 edition: 'Shadows of war, horizons of peace'

The 20th edition, scheduled from April 17 to 19, 2026, is dedicated to the theme 'Shadows of war_Horizons of peace. From Faenza's memory, a look at the world.' The cultural program includes a series of high-level historical conferences, starting in winter and culminating on the festival weekend: from Roman and late antique Faenza to the conflicts of the late Romagna Middle Ages, up to the wars of the 20th century and contemporary peace perspectives, with national figures such as historians and analysts Michela Ponzani and Vittorio Emanuele Parsi.

What to experience during the festival

• Wander through the district's streets: guided tours and itineraries to discover the Ganga Suburb, with museums and churches exceptionally open.
• Food and wine tastings: stands and Romagnol wineries along Via Campidori, with local wines and traditional dishes.
• Markets: crafts, Faenza ceramics, and reuse/textile stalls.
• Walks: a relay race of about 12 km and a walk of about 6 km for those who want to experience the territory on foot.
• The district's celebration: historical pageant, blessing, flag-wavers, and convivial moments concluding Sunday.

An identity event of Emilia-Romagna

More than just a festival, the Pilgrim Festival is an opportunity to rediscover the identity of a district and the city of Faenza, the capital of ceramics in Emilia-Romagna. The combination of district spirit, cultural depth, and popular hospitality makes it an event that speaks to both Faenza locals and visitors from afar who come to immerse themselves in Romagna's traditions.