Roccaciocc

Reggiolo, the capital of chocolate

Roccaciocc is one of the most beloved events in the Bassa Reggiana: every year, on a Sunday in March, the historic center of Reggiolo fills with aromas, colors, and sweetness to celebrate chocolate in all its forms. Organized by Pro Loco Reggiolo APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Reggiolo, the festival attracts thousands of visitors each edition from all over the province of Reggio Emilia and the surrounding areas of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy.

The stalls of the master chocolatiers

The heart of the festival is the market of master chocolatiers, with stands and stalls displaying pralines, bars, cocoa sculptures, and artisanal specialties from various regions. Along the streets and squares of the center, there is also a quality market, while the Pro Loco refreshment point in Piazza Martiri offers traditional Emilian dishes and some delicious reinterpretations: lasagna, rice alla pilota, gnocco fritto, salumi, bread baked in a wood-fired oven, and the unmissable cocoa tagliatelle.

The chocolate cake competition

Among the most anticipated events is the chocolate cake competition, open to non-professional enthusiasts, which takes place in the afternoon under the marquee set up near the Rocca. The cakes are judged by a jury led by a pastry teacher, and the competition attracts numerous contestants each year ready to test their culinary creativity.

Shows, art, and entertainment

The day is marked by shows and entertainment for all ages: dance performances, artistic performances, and the evocative chocolate rain show by street artists. For the little ones, there are wooden games, a farm with llamas, ponies, and donkeys, cookie workshops, and musical entertainment that accompanies the entire day. Art exhibitions are set up in the exhibition spaces of the center, such as Palazzo Sartoretti, while guided tours allow visitors to discover the historical heritage of the town.

A festival of solidarity

Roccaciocc is not just about taste and fun: the event has always been characterized by its solidarity and community dimension, with the participation of volunteer associations and local organizations. It is the ideal opportunity to spend a spring Sunday amidst authentic flavors, popular traditions, and the welcoming atmosphere of an Emilian-Romagnol village.