Pumpkin Fair of Reggiolo
Two September weekends under the Rocca of Reggiolo, featuring DeCo pumpkin tortelli, themed dinners, and medieval shows
About Pumpkin Fair
The pumpkin festival in the heart of Bassa Reggiana
In Reggiolo, a small municipality in the Province of Reggio Emilia nestled in the plain of Bassa Reggiana, the pumpkin is not just a simple vegetable: it is a symbol of identity. Every year, on the last two weekends of September, the Pumpkin Fair transforms the historic center into a grand gastronomic and cultural stage, with its epicenter "Sotto la Rocca", the ancient fortress that overlooks the town. Organized by the Pro Loco Reggiolo with the patronage of the Municipality and the collaboration of numerous local associations, the fair has grown since its first edition in 1996 to become one of the most anticipated food and wine events of the Emilian autumn.
DeCo pumpkin tortelli, the absolute star
The heart of the event is the Reggiolo pumpkin tortelli, recognized in 2018 with the De.Co. (Denominazione Comunale - Municipal Designation) mark thanks to the efforts of the Confraternita della Zucca and the Pro Loco. The local recipe differs from the Mantuan version by the absence of mustard in the dough: the pumpkin is enhanced only with amaretti biscuits, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a pinch of salt, for a more delicate and pure flavor. Alongside the tortelli, the fair's menu offers fried pumpkin, mustard, tortelli with Roquefort, braised beef with polenta, and cooked pork shoulder, all specialties that tell the story of the cuisine of this part of the plain.
Dinners, lunches, and scattered markets
Tastings take place at the Pro Loco restaurant, set up at Parco Salici: traditionally, Saturday dinners start from 8:00 PM and Sunday lunches from 12:30 PM. In the historic center and in Piazza dei Martiri, the markets unfold, including the "Alta Qualità – Terra dei Gonzaga" market, typical products, pumpkin bread, and traditional bread baked in wood-fired ovens, artisans, and ancient crafts.
Historical shows under the Rocca
The Pumpkin Fair is not just about taste: the program intertwines re-enactments and shows that highlight Reggiolo's medieval past. In recent editions, the public has been able to witness historical pageants, falconry exhibitions, flag wavers and guardsmen, historical games, and knightly tournaments in the historic center and at Parco Salici, as well as dance performances at the Teatro Rinaldi. A combination of food and wine, folklore, and popular traditions that makes the event suitable for the whole family, in an authentic setting of the Emilian plain, a stone's throw from the Gonzaga lands.
Pumpkin Fair — edition 2026
Pumpkin Fair 2026 — 31st Edition
The 31st edition of the Reggiolo Pumpkin Fair is expected on the last two weekends of September 2026, in line with the traditional schedule that sees the event take place over two consecutive weekends. The municipal calendar of events for 2026 places the fair in September, organized as always by the Pro Loco Reggiolo.
For 2026, the program will again revolve around the DeCo Reggiolo pumpkin tortelli, with Saturday evening dinners and Sunday lunches at the Pro Loco restaurant set up at Parco Salici, markets of typical products, pumpkin bread baked in wood-fired ovens, and historical shows under the Rocca.
The exact dates and the complete program (line-up of shows, times, menus, and reservation methods) will be published by the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Reggiolo in the weeks preceding the event. For updates, we recommend following the official channels of Pro Loco Reggiolo.
Programme Pumpkin Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 31st edition in 2026 will be announced by Pro Loco Reggiolo in the weeks leading up to the event. Based on the established structure of previous editions, the fair typically includes:
- Themed dinners on Saturday evenings (from 8:00 PM) at the Pro Loco restaurant in Parco Salici, featuring DeCo pumpkin tortelli and traditional Reggiolo dishes.
- Sunday lunches (from 12:30 PM) at the Pro Loco restaurant.
- Markets of typical products and the "Alta Qualità – Terra dei Gonzaga" market in Piazza dei Martiri and the historic center.
- Pumpkin bread and traditional bread baked in wood-fired ovens.
- Historical shows: historical pageant, falconry, flag wavers and guardsmen, historical games, and ancient crafts under the Rocca and at Parco Salici.
Exact dates, times, and names of artists and companies will be confirmed by the organizers.
Highlights Pumpkin Fair 2026
- DeCo Reggiolo pumpkin tortelli, with no mustard in the dough
- Pro Loco themed dinners and lunches at Parco Salici
- Historical shows under the Rocca: historical pageant, falconry, flag wavers
- Markets of typical products and pumpkin bread baked in wood-fired ovens
Prices Pumpkin Fair 2026
Practical information — Pumpkin Fair
How to get there
Reggiolo is located in the Bassa Reggiana region, near the border with the provinces of Mantua and Modena. By car, take the Reggiolo-Rolo exit from the A22 Brenner motorway, a few kilometers from the center. By train, Reggiolo-Rolo station is served by the regional line. The historic center and Parco Salici are within walking distance of the parking areas.
When
On the last two weekends of September. Dinners are held on Saturday evenings (from 8:00 PM), and lunches on Sundays (from 12:30 PM) at the Pro Loco restaurant in Parco Salici, with reservations recommended.
Admission and contacts
Free admission to the fair and markets. Reservations are recommended for tastings at the Pro Loco restaurant. Information: Pro Loco Reggiolo, tel. +39 338 6188748, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Pumpkin Fair
Centro storico, Rocca di Reggiolo e Parco Salici
Piazza dei Martiri, 42046 Reggiolo