Varano in Bloom
The spring festival dedicated to greenery, local products, and craftsmanship
About Varano in Bloom
Varano in Bloom, spring in the heart of Val Pessola
Varano in Bloom is the spring event that every April transforms the hamlet of Varano Marchesi, in the Municipality of Medesano (Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna), into a widespread showcase dedicated to greenery, flowers, and the beauty of the hilly landscape. Organized by Pro Loco Varano Marchesi, the event has grown with each edition to become one of the most anticipated spring festivals in the Parma Apennines, capable of uniting nurserymen, artisans, local producers, and hiking enthusiasts in a single day of outdoor celebration.
A day of flowers, flavors, and craftsmanship
Along the streets and squares of the village, there are horticultural and craft exhibitors, with plants, flowers, decorative items, and themed creations. There are also typical local products: from black pork cured meats to Parmigiano Reggiano from the local dairy, to the gastronomic offerings of the village's taverns and stalls. All in a village atmosphere, made of encounters, colors, and scents of the season.
Walks, exhibitions, and shows
The program complements the market with a rich series of cultural and naturalistic initiatives. The day traditionally opens with the Camminata in Fiore (Walk in Bloom), a guided excursion led by botanist Professor Daniele Giovanelli to discover the spontaneous flora and the trails of the surrounding hills. During the festival, it is also possible to visit the Museum of History and Civilization "Marco Pometti", set up for the occasion with temporary exhibitions, and admire photographic exhibitions dedicated to wild flowers. Animations, music, and entertainment moments accompany adults and children throughout the day.
An event for the whole family
Free and accessible to all, Varano in Bloom is designed as a community celebration: an opportunity to rediscover the bond between the village and its landscape, to promote popular traditions and artisan crafts, and to spend a spring Sunday immersed in the greenery of the Parma Apennines.
Varano in Bloom — edition 2026
The eleventh edition of Varano in Bloom was held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in the hamlet of Varano Marchesi, in the Municipality of Medesano (Parma). The day began with the Camminata in Fiore (Walk in Bloom) (meeting at 9:00 AM, departure at 9:30 AM), led by botanist Professor Daniele Giovanelli: for this occasion, the route combined flowers and history, along a section of the new "Partisan Path" – CAI 850A (Anello "Distaccamento Pelizza", known as the Anello delle Bratte), prepared in collaboration with ANPI of Medesano.
Throughout the day, the village hosted floral and craft exhibitors, stalls with local products, exhibitions, and entertainment. It was possible to visit the Museum of History and Civilization "Marco Pometti", which, in addition to its permanent collection, featured the special exhibition "Pinocchio, a wooden puppet between fairy tale and play", as well as a photographic exhibition dedicated to wild flowers. A major new feature of this edition was a cooking show in the afternoon by chef Daniele Persegani, a familiar face on television, which was very popular with the public.
Programme Varano in Bloom 2026
- 9:00 AM – Meeting for the Camminata in Fiore
- 9:30 AM – Departure of the guided excursion led by Prof. Daniele Giovanelli along the Partisan Path CAI 850A (Anello delle Bratte)
- All day – Market with floral and craft exhibitors and local products along the village streets
- All day – Visit to the "Marco Pometti" Museum with the exhibition "Pinocchio, a wooden puppet between fairy tale and play" and photographic exhibition on wild flowers
- Afternoon – Cooking show with chef Daniele Persegani
Highlights Varano in Bloom 2026
Prices Varano in Bloom 2026
Practical information — Varano in Bloom
Where
Varano Marchesi, a hamlet in the Municipality of Medesano (PR), Emilia-Romagna. The event takes place along the streets and squares of the village.
When
One Sunday in April, to celebrate spring. The day opens in the morning with the nature walk and continues throughout the afternoon with the market, exhibitions, and shows.
Admission
Free admission.
How to get there
Varano Marchesi is reachable by car from Medesano and from the Via Emilia (A15 Parma–La Spezia motorway exit, Fornovo di Taro toll booth). Parking is available near the village.
Contacts
Pro Loco Varano Marchesi — tel. +39 0525 59106 — email [email protected] — website prolocovaranomarchesi.it
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Where does it take place — Varano in Bloom
Varano Marchesi