San Giacomo Festival
Four days of food, music, and entertainment in the hamlet of San Giacomo di Guastalla
About San Giacomo Festival
The Patronal Feast of San Giacomo di Guastalla
Every first weekend of May, the hamlet of San Giacomo di Guastalla, in the Bassa reggiana area, gathers around its Oratory for the San Giacomo Festival, the patronal feast dedicated to Saints Philip and James the Lesser. For four days, the Piazzale dell'Oratorio on via Castellazzo becomes the pulsating heart of the village: a large open-air dining area featuring dinners, live concerts, dances, and shows, in an atmosphere of authentic community celebration.
A Tradition with Deep Roots
The festival has its roots in the 1970s, when the historic Palio degli Asini (Donkey Palio) was held in San Giacomo, a jocular competition that attracted visitors from all over the region. Over time, the event has transformed, but it has retained the popular spirit of its origins: today, it is one of the most cherished festivals in the Municipality of Guastalla, capable of uniting faith, traditions, and fun. Some affectionate local rituals also remain, such as the presentation of candidates for the title of "King of the Gnocchi" (Re degli Gnocchi).
Food & Music, the Festival's Formula
The common thread is the "Cucina & Musica" (Food & Music) pairing. The gastronomic stand, managed by volunteers from the Oratory and the Circolo Anspi, offers traditional Emilian dishes with table service and takeaway options. Every evening, after dinner, the stage comes alive with different offerings: acoustic and singer-songwriter music, cover bands from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, DJ sets, and itinerant shows. Monday evening is traditionally dedicated to dialect comedy, performed by the local theatre company "La Palanca Sbusa," with free admission.
An Event for the Entire Bassa Reggiana Area
More than just an event, the San Giacomo Festival is a moment of aggregation for the entire hamlet and the neighboring villages in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. With the patronage of the Municipality of Guastalla, the festival combines the religious dimension of the patronal celebration with the convivial pleasure of good food and music, in a simple and warm formula that is renewed year after year.
- Where: Piazzale dell'Oratorio, via Castellazzo 8, San Giacomo di Guastalla (RE)
- When: First weekend of May, four days
- Organization: Parish of San Giacomo and Circolo Anspi, with the patronage of the Municipality of Guastalla
San Giacomo Festival — edition 2026
The San Giacomo Festival 2026 enlivened the hamlet of San Giacomo di Guastalla from May 8th to 11th, with the patronage of the Municipality of Guastalla. Four days of celebration at the Piazzale dell'Oratorio, via Castellazzo, with the gastronomic stand managed by the Oratory and Circolo Anspi and a different music and entertainment program each evening.
Programme San Giacomo Festival 2026
Friday, May 8th
- From 6:30 PM — opening of the gastronomic stand, dinner with traditional dishes
- 9:00 PM — Silvia Olari in concert with the "Live in Three" live set, Italian and international music
Saturday, May 9th
- From 6:30 PM — dinner at the gastronomic stand
- 9:00 PM — La President Band, live party with hits from the '70s, '80s, and '90s
Sunday, May 10th
- Dinner at the gastronomic stand
- 8:30 PM — DJ set by Cristian Avigni
- 10:00 PM — "Maestà di Fuoco" (Majesty of Fire) show with flag wavers, musicians, and jugglers
Monday, May 11th
- 9:00 PM — dialect comedy "La visita pastorale" (The Pastoral Visit) by the "La Palanca Sbusa" Company, free admission
Highlights San Giacomo Festival 2026
Prices San Giacomo Festival 2026
Practical information — San Giacomo Festival
How to Get There
The hamlet of San Giacomo is located just south of the center of Guastalla (RE), at via Castellazzo 8. It is easily accessible by car from the provincial road connecting Guastalla to Reggio Emilia; parking is available for visitors in the vicinity of the Oratory.
Dinner and Reservations
The gastronomic stand opens in the evening from around 6:30 PM (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), with table service and takeaway. For tables, telephone reservations are recommended at 340 7099104.
Admission
Access to the festival area and evening shows is free; only what you consume at the gastronomic stand is charged.
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Where does it take place — San Giacomo Festival
Piazzale dell'Oratorio di San Giacomo
Via Castellazzo 8, 42016 Guastalla