Stellata Duck Festival

The ancient fair of Stellata

The Stellata Duck Festival is one of the longest-running gastronomic events in Emilia-Romagna: with the 2026 edition, it reaches its 566th edition, with roots in an ancient village fair documented for over five hundred years. It takes place in Stellata, a charming hamlet in the Municipality of Bondeno, in the far north of the Province of Ferrara, where the Po river marks the border with Lombardy and Veneto, and the famous Rocca Possente, an Este fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site, dominates the landscape.

A riverside tradition

The heart of the festival is the riverside cuisine, that is, the cuisine of the low, fertile lands along the banks of the great river. The absolute protagonist is duck, raised and cooked according to recipes passed down from generation to generation. In the large covered and air-conditioned tavern, set up in the former Cavagion area, volunteers serve first courses of fresh handmade pasta and main courses that smell of traditional Ferrarese peasant cuisine every evening.

The festival's dishes

• Cappellacci and tortellini in broth and with duck ragù
• Tagliatelle and pappardelle with duck ragù
• Traditional risotto
• Roast duck and duck stew
• Duck breast with mushrooms and meat main courses
• Seasonal side dishes, French fries, and homemade desserts

More than a feast at the table

In addition to good food, the Duck Festival is a moment of aggregation for the entire community: every evening is enlivened by concerts, variety shows, games, and entertainment, while the characteristic market winds through the village streets. The event is entirely supported by the work of volunteers from the ARC Stellata 97 association and the local Pro Loco, who have preserved this event for generations, a true symbol of identity for Stellata and the entire Bondeno area.

When and where

The festival is traditionally held between the end of August and the beginning of September, spread over two weekends of celebrations. The kitchen generally opens at 7:30 PM, with reservations recommended. A perfect opportunity to discover the simple and flavorful cuisine of the Ferrarese region in an authentic corner of Emilia-Romagna.