The Building of a Haystack

A Farming Tradition Revived in Loiano

In Loiano, a small municipality in the Bolognese Apennines overlooking the SS 65 della Futa, about 35 kilometers south of Bologna and at over 700 meters above sea level, there's an event that annually turns back the clock. The building of a haystack is a re-enactment of the agricultural world of yesteryear that takes place at Poggiolone, the green space on the outskirts of the village, attracting residents, families, and visitors eager to see a nearly extinct craft in action.

What is a Haystack?

The haystack is the characteristic conical pile of straw that once dominated the threshing floors of farmhouses. The straw was stacked by hand around a central pole, the stollo, to form a compact, weather-resistant cone intended for storing fodder and bedding for stable animals. Building one required experience, rhythm, and above all, the work of many hands helping each other: it was a collective act, born of cooperation between farming families. Seeing a haystack rise today means rediscovering an ancient knowledge passed down through generations.

A Day of Celebration and Remembrance

The event is much more than a simple technical demonstration. Around the building of the haystack, a true day of celebration unfolds, enlivened by the stories of the elders, the aroma of local cuisine, and the convivial atmosphere typical of Apennine villages. It's an opportunity for families to spend time outdoors, for children to discover how people lived and worked in the Emilia countryside, and for the community of Loiano to reconnect with its roots.

A Local Event

The festival is organized by the Pro Loco Loiano in collaboration with the Parish and with the valuable contribution of numerous volunteers. It is part of the rich calendar of initiatives "Aria di Festa" (Air of Celebration) that enlivens the municipality of Loiano throughout the year. It's a piece of the identity of this corner of the Metropolitan City of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna, where the farming tradition of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines continues to be cherished and proudly shared.