Saint John's Festival of Montecoronaro

The Saint John's Festival in Montecoronaro

The Saint John's Festival is one of the most cherished events for the small community of Montecoronaro, a hamlet within the Municipality of Verghereto, in the Province of Forlì-Cesena. Perched at 865 meters on one of the passes of the Tuscan-Romagnol Apennines, the village comes alive at the end of June for a village feast that has drawn residents, holidaymakers, and passing hikers for generations. The organization is entrusted to Pro Loco Montecoronaro, the tireless driving force behind the social life of the village and its entire summer calendar.

A Village in the Heart of the Apennines

Montecoronaro is situated in a border area, where Emilia-Romagna meets Tuscany, in a region of ridges, beech forests, and ancient trails. It is an area rich in water: the springs of the Tiber and the Savio are located nearby, at the foot of Mount Fumaiolo, popular destinations for hikers. The festival thus becomes an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Romagnol mountains, where tradition is breathed in daily gestures and on the table.

Sports, Attractions, and Music

The Saint John's Festival retains the genuine character of village festivals. The program revolves around sports competitions — including traditional mountain bike races and skill tests related to forest trades — alongside attractions for all ages and musical entertainment in the evenings, with music and dancing accompanying participants late into the night. It is a festival designed for togetherness, in a familiar and welcoming atmosphere.

Mountain Cuisine

The pulsating heart of the event are the Pro Loco's food stalls, where you can taste typical Apennine dishes: polenta, homemade tortelli, and especially acquacotta, the traditional peasant soup, which is the signature dish of Montecoronaro. Simple and flavorful cuisine, carefully prepared by volunteers, which tells the identity of this territory better than any words.

An Event Not to Be Missed

As the opening event of the Montecoronaro summer, the Saint John's Festival precedes other major events on the local calendar, such as the Wild Boar Festival in July and the Acquacotta Festival in early August. For those seeking an authentic experience away from the tourist trails, it is the ideal opportunity to discover the Emilia-Romagna mountains, its people, and its flavors.