Sardella Day in Paranza
The blue fish dinner at the Arena dei Quadri of Sant'Antonio
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Sardella Day
A festival dedicated to blue fish
The Sardella Day in Paranza is now an anticipated event of spring in Sant'Antonio di Medicina, a hamlet of the Municipality of Medicina, in the Bolognese plain of Emilia-Romagna. It is a dinner based on blue fish that takes place at the Arena dei Quadri, the outdoor space that becomes the heart of the hamlet's social life during the warmer months.
The event is organized by the Associazione Torre dei Cavalli, a very active entity in the recreational and cultural life of the town, in collaboration with the Pescheria Corallo of Medicina. The name "in paranza" refers to the small traditional fishing boat of the Adriatic and that humble but tasty catch which is the true protagonist of the evening.
The queen of the table: the sardine
The heart of the event is the sardine, a humble but very flavorful fish, which is offered in many different preparations of maritime cuisine. The typical Sardella Day menu features dishes that tell the versatility of blue fish:
- Fish Paella
- Pasta with blue fish sauce
- "Alici birichine" (mischievous anchovies)
- Sarde in saor, according to the sweet and sour Adriatic tradition recipe
- Alessarde (sardines with artichokes)
- Fried and grilled sardines
All accompanied by dessert, coffee, water, and wine or beer, in a fixed-price formula that has made this community dinner successful.
Conviviality and commitment to the territory
More than just a festival, Sardella Day is an evening for the community: long tables under the Arena dei Quadri, live music to accompany dinner, and a family atmosphere typical of Emilia's village festivals. Booking is mandatory, as seats are limited and dinner is prepared specifically for the expected guests.
The initiative also has a strong solidarity aspect: the proceeds from the evening are reinvested by the Associazione Torre dei Cavalli to fund its activities for Sant'Antonio and the entire Medicina community. Participating in Sardella Day therefore means enjoying a good fish dinner and, at the same time, supporting the associative life of a small hamlet in the province of Bologna.
Sardella Day — edition 2026
For 2026, the Sardella Day in Paranza returns to the Arena dei Quadri in Sant'Antonio di Medicina with its dinner dedicated to blue fish, offered by the Associazione Torre dei Cavalli. Local sources place the event in May.
The detailed program follows the tradition of previous editions: a fish menu with paella, pasta with blue fish sauce, anchovies, sardines in saor, and grilled sardines, accompanied by live music. Booking is mandatory and proceeds support the association's activities. It is recommended to verify the exact date, menu, and booking procedures on the official channels of Torre dei Cavalli, as public confirmation of the 2026 edition is not yet consolidated on official sources.
Programme Sardella Day 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition follows the established dinner format: evening opening of the Arena dei Quadri, service of the blue fish menu at tables, and live music to accompany the evening.
- Fish Paella
- Pasta with blue fish sauce
- "Alici birichine" (mischievous anchovies)
- Sardines in saor and "alessarde" (sardines with artichokes)
- Fried and grilled sardines
- Dessert, coffee, and drinks
Precise times, any musical guests, and the deadline for booking will be announced by the Associazione Torre dei Cavalli on their official channels.
Highlights Sardella Day 2026
The blue fish dinner with its many sardine variations, from paella to sardines in saor, and the conviviality of the outdoor tables with live music.
Prices Sardella Day 2026
Practical information — Sardella Day
Where
Arena dei Quadri, Sant'Antonio hamlet, Municipality of Medicina (BO), Emilia-Romagna.
How to get there
Medicina can be reached by car from the SP3 "San Vitale" which connects Bologna to Imola; Sant'Antonio is a hamlet not far from the town center. The most convenient train station is Medicina on the Budrio-Massa Lombarda line, or Bologna Centrale with onward travel by bus.
Booking
Dinner seating is limited and booking is mandatory: you must reserve your seat by the date indicated from time to time by the Associazione Torre dei Cavalli, which can be contacted via the official Facebook page.
Costs
The dinner is at a fixed price (in recent years around 20 euros per person), including a full menu, dessert, coffee, and drinks.
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Where does it take place — Sardella Day
Arena dei Quadri
Arena dei Quadri, Sant'Antonio, 40059 Medicina