Festival of September 8th

A centuries-old tradition in the heart of Bassa Romagna

The Festival of September 8th is the patronal feast of Fusignano, a municipality in the Bassa Romagna area of the province of Ravenna, in Emilia-Romagna. Celebrated uninterruptedly for over 450 years, it is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the city's patron saint. For the community of Fusignano, it is not just a religious observance but the identity event of the year: a moment of culture, affection, and deep roots that draws many people connected to the territory to the town.

The procession and the image of the Patron Saint

The heart of the festival is the ancient evening procession on September 8th. At the end of the religious service, the image of the Patrona Fusiniani (Patron Saint of Fusignano) is carried on the shoulders of the faithful along the streets of the center, accompanied by religious chants and the glow of hundreds of candles. This is a painting created in 1570 by the Capuchin friar Acquaviva and carried in procession since 1627, a gesture that is renewed each year and preserves the collective memory of the community.

A week of events for everyone

Around the religious celebration, the Municipality of Fusignano organizes a rich secular calendar that enlivens the center for almost a week, typically from September 3rd to 8th. The program alternates different moments for every age group:

• Live music: concerts in the square, tribute bands, and dancing evenings dedicated to various genres, from liscio to boogie, from Latin music to country.
• Sports: the day dedicated to local sports associations, with exhibitions and activities that liven up the squares.
• Exhibitions and artistic events set up in the spaces of the historic center.
• Vintage car rally, an event highly followed by enthusiasts.
• DJ sets and evenings for young people in Piazza Vantangoli.

Markets, gastronomy, and funfair

Along the streets of the center, numerous markets are set up with vintage items, local products, sweets, and food and wine specialties from the Romagna region. There are also food stalls and, for the little ones, the funfair traditionally set up in Piazza Aldo Moro for the entire duration of the celebrations. The festival thus combines the spiritual and popular dimensions, in a balance that makes it one of the most heartfelt events in the Bassa Romagna.