Sfrappola Festival of Riola

A Village Festival That's Already a Legend

The Sfrappola Festival is the May Day event in Riola, a hamlet of the Municipality of Vergato, in the heart of the Bologna Apennines in Emilia-Romagna. Reaching its 65th edition in 2026, the event has its roots in 1955 and has been organized for over sixty years by the Pro Loco of Riola, in collaboration with the Municipality of Vergato. It's one of those community festivals where the entire village gets involved, with food, costumes, and tradition.

The Sfrappola, Sweet Symbol of the Day

The sfrappola is the Emilian version of carnival sweets: thin ribbons of light puff pastry, tied into elaborate knots, fried in oil, and covered with abundant powdered sugar. All day long, you can enjoy it comfortably seated at the Count's Tavern or at the food stalls set up along the village streets, accompanied by other Apennine culinary specialties.

The Historical Procession and the Count's Legend

The most anticipated moment is the historical procession in medieval costume, which in the early afternoon (around 3:00 PM) enlivens the streets of Riola with about 300 participants, including ladies, knights, pages, and halberdiers. The festival is not just a simple reenactment, but the representation of a legend: Count Sfrappola descends from the Rocchetta Mattei, the famous neo-medieval castle overlooking the Reno valley just above the village, to gift the population baskets full of sfrappole as a sign of benevolence. Myth and fantasy, dream and reality merge in a colorful procession that starts from the Rocchetta and reaches the center of the village.

Day's Program

• All day: tasting of sfrappole and typical dishes at the Count's Tavern and food stalls along the village streets
• Market: stalls with local crafts and food and wine products
• Afternoon (around 3:00 PM): grand historical procession in medieval costume with about 300 participants, from the Rocchetta Mattei to the center of Riola
• Evening: music and fireworks display to close the festival

Why It's Worth the Trip

The Sfrappola Festival combines the deliciousness of a traditional sweet, the charm of a medieval procession, and the allure of the Rocchetta Mattei, one of the most surprising architectural sites in the Bologna Apennines, all in one day. It's an ideal opportunity to discover Riola and the Vergato area, amidst nature, history, and genuine flavors of Emilia-Romagna, in a free-entry popular festival suitable for families and curious visitors of all ages.