Traditional Garibaldi Festival

A Risorgimento Memory Renewed Since 1885

The Traditional Garibaldi Festival is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Cesenatico, a seaside town in the Province of Forlì-Cesena, in Emilia-Romagna. Celebrated uninterruptedly since 1885, the event commemorates the arrival of Giuseppe Garibaldi in Cesenatico on August 2, 1849: fleeing Rome with his wife Anita and a group of patriots, the Hero of the Two Worlds set sail from the Canal Port on thirteen bragozzi (fishing boats) in an attempt to reach Venice, which was still resisting the Austrian siege. Since then, the Municipality of Cesenatico has kept this page of Risorgimento history alive with two days of events that blend memory, folklore, and spectacle.

The Palio della Cuccagna

The most anticipated moment of the first evening is the Palio della Cuccagna, held at the Vecchio Squero on the picturesque Leonardesque Canal Port. The ten city districts — Villalta, Borella, Cannucceto, Peep/Madonnina, Ponente, Valona, E' Mont/Levante, Boschetto/Villamarina, Sala, and Bagnarola — compete in a spectacular test of balance and agility: climbing a greased pole about 14 meters long, placed diagonally over the canal water. The challenge is preceded by a colorful historical procession with flag-wavers, musicians, and men-at-arms from Terra del Sole.

The Garibaldini Procession and Sea Excursion

Sunday is entirely dedicated to historical remembrance. In the morning, the Garibaldini procession starts from the Town Hall along Corso Garibaldi, accompanied by authorities and the "Città di Gradara" Band. This is followed by the most evocative moment: the sea excursion, with motorboats carrying the band, Garibaldini in uniform, and citizens, followed by historic boats with colorful 'vele al terzo' sails, for the symbolic casting of a wreath upon the waves in memory of the feat.

The Fireworks Display on the Water

The festival concludes on Sunday evening with the grand musical fireworks display on the beach in front of Piazza Costa. The fireworks, lasting about 25 minutes, are launched from the water and synchronized to the notes of famous international songs, creating one of the most beloved scenes of the Romagna summer.

A Festival for the Whole Family

With completely free admission and set in the maritime heart of Cesenatico, the Garibaldi Festival is an event suitable for all ages, capable of combining historical re-enactment with popular entertainment. It is the ideal opportunity to discover the Canal Port designed by Leonardo da Vinci, the Maritime Museum with its traditional boats, and the authentic atmosphere of one of the pearls of the Adriatic coast.