Riomania

Riomania, the golden heart of the Bassa reggiana

Riomania is much more than a village festival: it's an event eagerly awaited all year round in Rio Saliceto, a small municipality in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. For eleven consecutive evenings, the G. Ulivi Municipal Park and the Nuovo Delfino multi-purpose center come alive with music, lights, and people: free concerts, tribute bands, DJ sets, gatherings, and many "under the stars" evenings that draw crowds from all over the Bassa region.

A history spanning over thirty years

The event was born in 1991 with a simple and generous idea: to have fun and create a new space for young people while helping the community. From that initial core, the Riomania Social Promotion Association grew, officially established in 2007, which today has a board of directors, statutes, and an army of about 320 volunteers working every evening at the stoves, cash registers, stage, and reception.

Music for every taste

The program focuses on a mix of tribute bands dedicated to the great names of Italian and international music, well-known national artists, themed evenings for the '80s and 2000s, radio hit parties, and DJ sets. It ranges from tributes to Jovanotti, Oasis, and Vasco Rossi to revival nights, as well as guest artists and DJs who keep the park dancing until late at night. Concerts usually start around 10:00 PM, while the restaurants open in the early evening.

Eat well and do good

One of Riomania's core aspects is its food service: every evening, stands and kitchens offer traditional Emilian dishes and specialties to be enjoyed at the park's tables. But the true distinguishing feature is its charitable purpose: all proceeds are donated to social, cultural, and charitable projects. Over the years, Riomania has donated significant amounts to the region—from the reconstruction of schools affected by the earthquake to water wells in Africa, from equipment for Civil Protection and the Red Cross to initiatives for children and people with disabilities—confirming itself as one of the most virtuous volunteer organizations in the province of Reggio Emilia.

A festival for the whole community

Riomania is designed to be accessible to everyone: free admission, family-friendly spaces, gatherings (like the Vespa rally), and collaborations with local associations. It's the time when Rio Saliceto comes together and welcomes visitors from the Bassa reggiana to share music, good food, and a concrete idea of solidarity.