Spring Donnino

A spring festival in the heart of Fidenza

Spring Donnino is the festival that brings spring to the historic center of Fidenza, a city in the province of Parma in Emilia-Romagna, along the ancient Via Emilia. Conceived as a spring version of the historic Fiera di San Donnino – the autumn event that has celebrated the city's patron saint for centuries – this festival revives the popular and convivial spirit of Fidenza's great tradition and relaunches it with a younger, more festive feel, over a long weekend in May.

The anolino, the absolute star

At the center of the festival is the anolino, the symbolic dish of Fidenza's cuisine and the entire Parma plain: small filled pasta served strictly in broth, embodying centuries of Emilian gastronomic wisdom. During Spring Donnino, anolini are everywhere, from shared tables to the fun anolini eating contest, which tests the competitors' appetite and speed amidst the applause of the crowd.

The Lunch for 500

The most anticipated moment is the Pranzo dei 500 (Lunch for 500): a very long table set up in Fidenza's most central street, where hundreds of diners sit together to share the traditional dish. It's not just a large communal lunch, but also a gesture of solidarity: part of the proceeds are donated to the Italian Red Cross and Civil Protection, confirming the strong link between the festival and the local community.

Street food, beers, and music

In addition to the communal tables, the central squares – including Piazza Garibaldi – host a large street food area with gastronomic offerings for all tastes and excellent craft beers. The evenings are enlivened by free concerts open to everyone, while during the day there is no shortage of entertainment and games for children, making Spring Donnino a festival suitable for families and visitors of all ages.

La Borghigiana and discovering the city

Among the most original initiatives is La Borghigiana, a fun and tourist-oriented bike ride that takes participants to discover the outskirts and most characteristic places of Fidenza. A fun and lighthearted way to experience the city beyond the historic center, rediscovering its corners, hamlets, and traditions.

A young but already rooted tradition

Although it is a recent event, Spring Donnino has quickly established itself as one of the most cherished spring appointments in Fidenza's calendar, capable of combining taste, conviviality, fun, and social commitment. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the welcoming soul of this city in the lower Parma region and savor its most authentic cuisine.