Scusìn

A tradition that tells a story of community

Scusìn is much more than a game: it is the Easter rite that identifies Castelnovo ne' Monti, the capital of the Reggiano Apennines in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. For over forty years, on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, the historic centre has been filled with people of all ages who gather for the challenge of the coloured hard-boiled eggs. It is one of those festivals that spans generations and, more than anything else, tells of the sense of belonging of an entire mountain community.

How the Scusìn challenge works

The rules are simple and rooted in the peasant culture of the Apennines. The hard-boiled eggs, coloured by hand one by one, become the tool of a unique contest: two challengers butt them point against point. The egg that breaks loses the challenge and is taken by the one who kept the shell intact. Hands reaching out, a knowing glance, then the sharp tap: the entire festival is played out in this minimal gesture.

Not just eggs: music, artists, and flavours

Around the egg battle, Scusìn offers a full day of entertainment in the historic centre:

• Music and street artists accompanying the hours of the challenge;
• Inflatables and activities for children;
• The opportunity to dine outdoors with gastronomic specialities from the Carpineti da Vivere association;
• An evening DJ set to close the Sunday with great music.

A widespread and supportive festival

Scusìn is not confined to the historic centre of the capital: on Sunday morning, the tradition is also renewed in the small square of the hamlet of Gatta. The event also has a strong solidarity spirit: part of the proceeds supports local projects, such as the purchase of high-tech equipment for the Sant'Anna Hospital and the renovation of the Oratory of Santa Maria Maddalena. Visiting Castelnovo ne' Monti at Easter means discovering one of the most authentic souls of the Reggiano Apennines, where a simple coloured egg becomes a pretext for celebration, socialising, and sharing.