Spring and Ostiglia Rice Festival
The fair celebrating Ostiglia rice with the Rice Battle
About Spring and Rice Festival
The Spring and Ostiglia Rice Festival
The Spring and Ostiglia Rice Festival is one of the most anticipated events in Ostiglia, a municipality in the province of Mantua on the Po River. It is a fair that celebrates the tradition and quality of local excellences, with a rich program unfolding between Piazza Cornelio and the town's Expo Area.
A Showcase of the Territory
During the festival, the center of Ostiglia comes alive with food stands, craft stalls, exhibitions, live music, DJ sets, a children's area, and fireworks displays. There is also a Campagna Amica market and a showcase of typical products from the Bassa Mantovana, curated by La Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori Mantovani, as well as an exhibition of vintage tractors that recalls the agricultural vocation of the area.
The Rice Battle
The heart of the event is the Rice Battle, a historical and folkloristic event that celebrates Ostiglia rice as a symbol of local rural culture. It is a true culinary challenge: throughout the festival days, about forty types of risotto are prepared, with the participation of the Pro Loco, rice mills, farmhouses, and amateur chefs. An opportunity to taste rice in all its variations and discover a product deeply linked to the identity of the Mantuan plain.
A Spanning Event
The festival is not limited to a single weekend: the Rice Battle continues over multiple weekends, extending the days of celebration and tasting. The initiative is organized by the Pro Loco of Ostiglia in collaboration with the Fiera Millenaria of Gonzaga, with the patronage of the Province of Mantua and the Strada dei Vini Mantovani.
Spring and Rice Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Spring and Ostiglia Rice Festival opens with the fair from April 17 to 19 in Piazza Cornelio, and continues with the Rice Battle on the following weekends, April 24-26 and May 1-3.
The fair's program includes food stands, craft stalls, exhibitions, live music, and DJ sets, a children's area, and the Campagna Amica market with typical products from the Bassa Mantovana. There is also an exhibition of vintage tractors. Live music features performances by Ridillo, Voglia di Party Dance, Taverna in Tour, DJ sets by Giuà & il Barbiere and Brió m'ama, with Saturday evenings culminating in a fireworks display.
The Rice Battle celebrates Ostiglia rice with about forty types of risotto prepared throughout the festival days. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Ostiglia with the Fiera Millenaria of Gonzaga and the patronage of the Province of Mantua.
Programme Spring and Rice Festival 2026
Fair — April 17-19, 2026 (Piazza Cornelio)
- Food stands, craft stalls, exhibitions, and children's area
- Campagna Amica market and typical products from the Bassa Mantovana
- Exhibition of vintage tractors
- Friday — Ridillo concert
- Saturday — Voglia di Party Dance and fireworks display
- Sunday — Brió m'ama; DJ set by Giuà & il Barbiere and Taverna in Tour
Rice Battle — April 17-19, April 24-26, and May 1-3, 2026 (Area Expo)
- Culinary challenge with about 40 types of risotto
- Participation of Pro Loco, rice mills, farmhouses, and amateur chefs
Highlights Spring and Rice Festival 2026
Prices Spring and Rice Festival 2026
Practical information — Spring and Rice Festival
Where
Piazza Cornelio (Street Food & Sound) and Sala Polivalente Area Expo, via Collodi (Battaglia del Riso), Ostiglia (MN).
How to get there
Ostiglia is located along the SS12 dell'Abetone e del Brennero, about 35 km from Mantua. It is served by the train station on the Verona-Bologna line.
Costs
Free admission. Tastings and food stands are paid.
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Where does it take place — Spring and Rice Festival
Piazza Cornelio e Area Expo
Piazza Cornelio, 46035 Ostiglia