CESENA, Italy – This weekend, Cesena is buzzing with activity, from local festivals and food events to two major concerts by Rockin’1000 at the Dino Manuzzi stadium.
Festivals and Gatherings Abound
Bagno di Romagna is gearing up for its traditional historical re-enactment, “The Days of the Captain,” including a “Saracen Night.” This event transforms the city into a vibrant open-air circus with street theater, contemporary circus acts, music, and local cuisine.
The “Longianese Week” continues until Sunday, featuring stalls, markets, entertainment, musical tributes, and fireworks. Meanwhile, the “Sports Festival” offers concerts, local food, and opportunities for physical activity.
For mystery and thriller enthusiasts, “Cesenatico Noir” brings renowned authors like Carlo Lucarelli, Jeffery Deaver, and Marco Bocci to the city for a literary review.
Food festivals are also on the calendar, including the wild boar festival in Ponte Uso. A special event is the traditional “Anti-fascist Pasta” gathering, first organized by the Cervi brothers in 1943.
Musical Highlights Across the Region
Cesena’s main musical draw this weekend is Rockin’1000, celebrating its 10th anniversary with two massive concerts at the Manuzzi stadium. The shows will feature special guests Piero Pelù, Negramaro, and Francesca Michielin. Events will also take place in the historic center leading up to these concerts.
The music scene extends to Rocca Malatestiana with Australian musician Ry X, known for his ethereal melodies and electronic sound. Early morning concerts by the Musicians of San Crispino and DJ sets by Roberto Ferrari in Piazza Spose dei Marinai add to the musical tapestry. Tributes to Pooh will be held at the Rubicone Arena, and Saturday will feature the classic melodies of harpist Agnese Contadini and flutist Simona Evangelista.
Theatrical Offerings
The weekend’s theatrical offerings are diverse. Compagnia Teatrale Cesena presents an improvisational show filled with comedy and unpredictability. In Sarsina, the art of mime will be showcased, featuring interpretations of classic and mythical literary figures.
The play “In Their Place” remembers the massacre of the Carnio. For younger audiences, Diego Draghi presents “Off-track.”
Workshops and Special Meetings
Interactive workshops will allow children to discover the marine world. A meeting will commemorate the poet Tonino Guerra, and there will be opportunities for stargazing.
Three awareness events are scheduled: one for drowning prevention, another promoted by the Italian League for the Fight Against Tumors, and a dinner for friends of AIL. The weekend also marks 110 years since the death of Decio Raggi, an Italian military figure and the first recipient of the gold medal for military valor in World War I.
Art Exhibitions to Explore
For those seeking culture, several exhibitions are on display. Federico Guerri’s “In Other Cities, In Other Worlds” explores cities, visionary metropolises, and unfinished constructions.
Savignano sul Rubicone commemorates the recent flood with “Cut from the Waters the Land,” a collective exhibition by six photographers capturing the event’s drama. The Malatestiana library hosts “Tour,” featuring works by contemporary photographer Olivo Barbieri alongside ancient volumes, and an exhibition exploring the 1970s through films.
The “Clicick-Cinema of Cinema” exhibition returns, showcasing snapshots by 55 photographers documenting films, shorts, fiction, and TV series.
Longiano presents “Ottapos for Leonardo Sciascia. Giorgio Morandi, Luigi Bartolini, Giuseppe Viviani, Edo Janich,” an exhibition uniting works by four artists favored by the author. In Villa Torlonia, Mirna Manni’s “Of Small and Great Things” pays homage to Giovanni Pascoli, exploring intimacy, memory, and life. Cesenatico features an astrophotography exhibition by Lia Briganti, dedicated to her father, Edoardo Mario Briganti.
