Poggio Renatico Bondiola Festival

The symbolic festival of Poggio Renatico

In the Ferrara plains, a few kilometers from Ferrara and the border with the Bologna area, the Municipality of Poggio Renatico celebrates its most iconic product every September with the Bondiola Festival. For three consecutive weekends, the stand at Parco 1° Maggio, in Via San Carlo, transforms into a large village kitchen where Emilian gastronomic tradition meets the conviviality of popular festivals. It is one of the longest-running and most beloved festivals in the province of Ferrara, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Emilia-Romagna.

The Poggior Renatico bondiola, a sausage with ancient roots

The heart of the festival is the Poggior Renatico bondiola, a cooked sausage encased in a pork bladder, prepared with pork neck, pounded rind, and spices, and served fresh. Its roots lie in the tradition of the bel e cot, the typical cured meat of the Bagnacavallo and Lugo area, and the festival's recipe has been passed down by a family of butchers since the 19th century. At the festival, the bondiola is enjoyed hot, accompanied by classic mashed potatoes, in a pairing that has become an institution for the people of Poggio Renatico.

Cuisine, sport, and solidarity

The event is organized by the Polisportiva Poggese, which dedicates the proceeds of the festival to supporting its youth sports activities and charitable initiatives. In addition to the bondiola, the menu features the great classics of Ferrara and Bologna cuisine – pumpkin cappellacci, tortellini, penne alla poggese – along with grilled meats, baked pork knuckle, and homemade desserts. Around the tables, youth football tournaments, walks, musical evenings, and entertainment moments take place, making the festival a true community event where good food and social commitment go hand in hand.

When and where

The Bondiola Festival is held in Poggio Renatico (province of Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna) at the covered and air-conditioned stand in Parco 1° Maggio, during the three central weekends of September. It opens in the evening on weekdays, while on Sundays the stand also opens for lunch. Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups.