Quara Village Festival

A Village Festival in the Heart of the Reggiano Apennines

The Quara Village Festival is one of the most cherished events of the summer in the hamlet of Quara, a small village in the Municipality of Toano, in the province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna). Situated at about 700 meters above sea level among the woods and chestnut groves of the Reggiano Apennines, Quara — anciently called Aquaria — has only a few hundred inhabitants, but on Ferragosto it transforms into a meeting point for residents, vacationers, and curious visitors who come up to the mountains to experience an authentic festival.

The Flavors of Apennine Cuisine

As in all village festivals of the Tuscan-Emilian ridge, the star is the typical gastronomy. Under the stands set up by Pro Loco volunteers, you can taste traditional Reggiano mountain dishes: fried dumplings (gnocco fritto) served with local cured meats, stuffed pasta (tortelli), erbazzone (savory pie), grilled meats, and homemade desserts. It's the simple and generous cuisine of the Apennines, made with local products and recipes passed down through generations.

A Community Coming Together

More than just a gastronomic event, the Quara Village Festival is a moment of conviviality that strengthens the bonds of a small mountain community. The Ferragosto evening combines good food, music, and dancing in a family atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of more crowded tourist destinations. The hamlet of Quara is also linked to the tradition of Maggio drammatico, the ancient sung folk theater typical of this part of the Apennines, a sign of the rich cultural heritage of the Toano area.

Organization

The festival is organized by the Pro Loco of Quara, which manages the village's events throughout the summer, from the late July Summer Festival to the Ferragosto events. The initiative is part of the event calendar of the Municipality of Toano and offers an opportunity to discover a little-known and genuine corner of the Reggiano Apennines.