Segavecchia Festival
The historical carnival of Cotignola that has celebrated the burning of the Old Woman for over five centuries
About Segavecchia
The Segavecchia of Cotignola, a five-century-old carnival
The Festa della Segavecchia is one of the oldest and most rooted carnival traditions in Emilia-Romagna. It takes place in Cotignola, a small town in the Bassa Romagna region, in the province of Ravenna, and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Officially listed among the historical carnivals of Emilia-Romagna, it combines popular tradition, culture, gastronomy, and entertainment for all generations in just a few days.
Legend and origins
The festival dates back to 1451. According to legend, the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, granted the citizens of Cotignola the privilege of celebrating Carnival even during Lent, as thanks for escaping a serious curse attributed to an old woman, who was burned in the public square on a cold March day over five centuries ago. Since then, the ritual of the burning of the Old Woman has been renewed every year: a symbolic female figure is burned in the square, representing the victory of good over evil and of blooming spring over the cold winter that has just ended.
Four days of festivities in the square
The heart of the event is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where shows, parades, and moments of conviviality are concentrated. The festival opens with the arrival of the Segavecchia accompanied by the town's schoolchildren and continues with evenings of music and dancing. The most anticipated moments remain the two carnival parades: the historical pageant of figures and the masked parade of the Old Woman, with costumed groups, musicians, and flag-throwers. The final day culminates with the throwing of the doll, the reading of the sentence, and the final burning of the Old Woman.
The flavors of Romagna
Throughout the festival, the Pro Loco of Cotignola's food stands offer traditional Romagna dishes, from piadina to cappelletti, accompanied by local wines. For the little ones, the amusement park set up in Piazzale Savorani completes the festive atmosphere that envelops the entire town.
A living tradition
The Segavecchia involves schools, associations, and districts of the Bassa Romagna territory every year, keeping alive one of the most beloved identity events of the Ravenna area. It is an event that blends historical memory, popular participation, and community spirit, in a town that has jealously guarded its meaning for over five hundred years.
Segavecchia — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festa della Segavecchia celebrated the 575th anniversary of this carnival tradition in Cotignola, from March 12 to 15. A rich program designed to involve all generations, with its heart in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
The 2026 program
- Thursday, March 12: arrival of the Segavecchia in the square accompanied by primary school children, traditional burning of the little old woman by the Carlo Maria Spada kindergarten, and at 9 PM, the "Vintage Party" with DJ Lorenz Guerra.
- Friday, March 13: at 9 PM, the Comete di Romagna show, featuring Romagna folk dances and modern dances, with the opening of the food stands.
- Saturday, March 14: readings for children and board games in the library, and in the evening, a concert by the 80s cover band "Buoni Motivi".
- Sunday, March 15: at 11 AM, the historical pageant of figures from Piazzale della Pace; at 3:30 PM, the masked parade of the Old Woman with costumed groups, musicians, and flag-throwers from the Contrada del Ghetto of Lugo; closing with the throwing of the doll, the reading of the sentence, and the final burning of the Old Woman.
The Pro Loco's food stands offered the flavors of Romagna tradition, while the amusement park in Piazzale Savorani enlivened the town from March 6 to 15.
Programme Segavecchia 2026
2026 Program
- Thursday, March 12 — Arrival of the Segavecchia with primary school children; burning of the little old woman (Carlo Maria Spada kindergarten); 9 PM "Vintage Party" with DJ Lorenz Guerra.
- Friday, March 13 — 9 PM Comete di Romagna show (folk dances and modern dances); opening of food stands.
- Saturday, March 14 — Readings and games for children in the library; 9 PM concert by the 80s cover band "Buoni Motivi".
- Sunday, March 15 — 11 AM historical pageant of figures from Piazzale della Pace; 3:30 PM masked parade of the Old Woman; followed by the throwing of the doll, reading of the sentence, and final burning of the Old Woman.
Highlights Segavecchia 2026
- 575th edition of one of Emilia-Romagna's historical carnivals
- Historical pageant of figures and masked parade of the Old Woman
- Final burning of the Old Woman in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
- Flag-throwers from the Contrada del Ghetto of Lugo
- Romagna food stands and amusement park
Prices Segavecchia 2026
Practical information — Segavecchia
Where it takes place
The Festa della Segavecchia is held in the center of Cotignola (province of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna), with its heart in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. The amusement park is set up in Piazzale Savorani, while the historical pageant starts from Piazzale della Pace.
How to get there
Cotignola can be reached by car from the Via Emilia (SS9) and from the A14 Bologna-Ancona motorway, exit Lugo/Cotignola. The nearest train station is Lugo, a few kilometers away. During the festival, the town center is largely pedestrianized.
Costs
Access to the festival, parades, and shows in the square is free. Food and drinks at the stands and amusement park attractions are at a charge.
Information
Organized by the Pro Loco of Cotignola (Via Marconi 24, 48033 Cotignola). Email: [email protected].
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Segavecchia
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 48033 Cotignola