More than 700,000 people attended the Coldiretti Village in Bologna over the weekend, far exceeding expectations. The three-day event filled the city centre with markets, workshops and food stands celebrating Italian farming and local produce.
Palazzo Re Enzo and Piazza Maggiore hosted more than 200 stalls offering regional food, farm schools, tastings and demonstrations of new agricultural technologies. The fair combined entertainment with education, drawing both locals and tourists.
Coldiretti President Ettore Prandini described the event as “a celebration of the people” and a chance to connect citizens with the challenges facing agriculture and society. Secretary General Vincenzo Gesmundo said it promoted “good and social farming” focused on healthy, quality food.
Highlights included the regional finals of the Coldiretti Oscar Green awards for young farmers and agreements supporting social causes, such as partnerships promoting gender equality and food solidarity. Campagna Amica donated over a tonne of food to Bologna’s Antoniano charity for its “Spesa Sospesa” initiative.
The world’s smallest tortellino was created for Guinness World Records Day, while floriculture experts built a display featuring more than 10,000 plants and flowers. Children joined workshops learning to bake bread and grow vegetables.
Visitors to the Coldiretti Village in Bologna enjoyed wine and beer tastings, olive oil classes, and agricultural cosmetics sessions. Many stalls sold out early, reflecting enthusiasm for Italian-made products. Menus priced at €8 highlighted the best of regional cuisine.
