Rigoso in Festivalle

A festival that tells the story of a valley

Rigoso in Festivalle is no ordinary festival. It is the summer event with which the Corte di Rigoso Community Cooperative opens the doors of its village to mountain lovers, in one of the highest and most evocative hamlets of the Municipality of Monchio delle Corti, in the Province of Parma. We are at over 1,100 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, between the Cento Laghi and the ridges that mark the border with Tuscany.

The cooperative itself describes it well: here, it's not about celebrating the classic village festival made of stands and loud music, but «an entire valley telling and listening to itself». The festival was born from the desire to share with mountain enthusiasts the enthusiasm, the sense of community, and the projects of those who have chosen to live and work in the Apennines, giving new life to a small village that risked depopulation.

What to expect during the two days

Past editions have consolidated a formula that blends nature, culture, and conviviality. The typical program, spread over the entire weekend, has offered:

• Live Music: evening concerts in the square, with bands and rock proposals accompanied by craft beer.
• Workshops for Children: from the Crazy Blower to Tangram games, up to the wool spinning demonstration, to let children experience mountain trades and knowledge.
• Meetings and Conferences: events dedicated to the recovery of ancient high-altitude crops and Apennine biodiversity.
• Wellness: outdoor yoga sessions, by reservation, immersed in the park's landscape.
• Typical Products and Market: a market of local craft and food products, a true showcase of the valley's excellences.

Rigoso and its Piazza della Fiera Grossa

The festival takes place in Piazza della Fiera Grossa, the heart of the village of Rigoso, which its name already recalls its ancient vocation as a place of meeting and exchange. Around the square, historic buildings like Ca' Giulia tell the story of this Apennine community, today an ideal starting point for excursions to the lakes and trails of the Tuscan-Emilian Park.

For those visiting the Province of Parma and Emilia-Romagna in search of an authentic experience far from the beaten paths, Rigoso in Festivalle is the perfect opportunity to discover the Parma mountains, its gastronomy, and the warmth of a community that has made hospitality its identity.