Medieval re-enactment and magic in the village of Savigno
Every year, at the beginning of summer, the small village of Savigno — a hamlet of the Municipality of Valsamoggia, in the Province of Bologna — dresses up in mystery and ancient atmospheres to bring the Night of the Witches to life. For a weekend, the streets of the historic center and the evocative Piazza XV Agosto transform into a medieval village inspired by the 14th century, populated by witches, knights, jesters, artisans, and fantastic creatures.
The heart of the event is the historical re-enactment: medieval encampments, sword fights, combat scenes, and theatrical performances set in the village. Alongside the historical part lives the more magical soul of the festival, with fortune-telling, future readings, predictions, and itinerant rituals that accompany visitors from alley to alley, while jugglers, stilt walkers, and light shows animate the night.
The soundtrack of the Night of the Witches is entrusted to live music of Celtic and folk inspiration, with itinerant folk groups and dance moments that involve the public. The ancient melodies, combined with fire and lights, create the fairy-tale atmosphere that has made this event one of the most beloved appointments of the Valsamoggia summer.
Along the route, there are no shortage of food stalls and refreshment points, where you can taste the local specialties of the Bolognese Apennines with a medieval twist, from traditional street food to themed aperitifs. Savigno is also famous for its truffles, for which the Pro Loco has always been an ambassador.
The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Savigno APS together with the Municipality of Valsamoggia, the association TerraMagica, and the Centro Sociale Le Nonne APS, with the support of the territory of the Bologna and Modena Hills. More than just a show, the Night of the Witches is a participatory village festival, capable of uniting young and old around the popular traditions and folklore of Emilia-Romagna.
The 2026 edition of the Night of the Witches is scheduled for Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, 2026 in the historic center of Savigno, Valsamoggia. The village will once again be dressed as a medieval village with historical re-enactments, fights, itinerant shows, parades, light games, Celtic-inspired music and dances, fortune-telling and future readings, accompanied by food stalls with local specialties.
The confirmed times are Saturday from 6:00 PM to midnight and Sunday from 10:00 AM to midnight. The detailed artistic program, with the companies and shows, will be published by the Pro Loco of Savigno in the weeks preceding the event.
Confirmed dates: Saturday, June 20 (6:00 PM-12:00 AM) and Sunday, June 21, 2026 (10:00 AM-12:00 AM), in the historic center of Savigno and Piazza XV Agosto. The schedule includes historical re-enactments and fights, itinerant shows and parades, light games and jugglers, Celtic music and dances, fortune-telling and future readings, themed markets, and food stalls. The detailed lineup with participating companies will be announced by the organizers closer to the event.
Savigno is a hamlet of the Municipality of Valsamoggia, in the Bolognese Apennines. By car, it can be reached from the Bazzanese road (SP569) exiting towards the Samoggia Valley; the village is about 40 km from Bologna and 25 km from Modena. The nearest train station is Vignola, connected by bus services.
During the event, the historic center is closed to traffic: parking areas are set up in the areas surrounding the village. It is advisable to arrive early due to high evening attendance.
Evening and night outdoor event: wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets. Event suitable for families, with activities and workshops for children.
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Centro storico di Savigno
Piazza XV Agosto, 40060 Valsamoggia