Festa della Segavecchia
From 12 to 15 March 2026
Since 1451, Cotignola has hosted the historic Segavecchia Carnival. Halfway through Lent, i.e. during the days of the liturgical calendar between the first day of Lent and Christian Easter, the trial of the witch of Cotignola is re-enacted. She was guilty of having cursed Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan and lord of the city. The witch is thus condemned to be beheaded and burned at the stake in the public square. Charm and appeal, but also Romagna folklore, have always characterised this festival, which over the years has become the most heartfelt in Cotignola. The highlight of the festival is the beheading and burning of a puppet representing the “old woman”, preceded by the reading of the bull of condemnation and the sentence.
In recent years, another ritual has been added: a doll is thrown from a bunch of balloons with a message and a prize for whoever catches it. The throwing of the doll is intended to bid farewell to the good season and bring good luck.
History
The origins of this event are rooted in an ancient folk legend dating back to 1451 and linked to Francesco I Sforza. It seems that he had caught an old witch piercing an image of him with a pin. The old woman was thus sentenced to be beheaded. The sentence was handed down in the middle of Lent and the execution took place immediately before a cheering crowd. The episode that gave rise to this celebration, traces of which can be found in a text from the early 20th century (L’antica casa degli Attendoli Sforza in Cotignola e gli illustri uomini cotignolesi by Prof. Gaetano Solieri – 1899), is linked to the auspicious ritual of the “burning of the old woman” and the arrival of spring.
Certain information about the Carnival in its modern form dates back to 1946 with the establishment of the districts, the parades of allegorical floats and the games for the celebration of the “Palio di Cotignola”. In addition, in collaboration with the Varoli Museum, workshops are promoted for the creation of masks and objects that enliven the parade during the days of the Carnival.
PROGRAMME of the main events
Useful information
Town centre
Cotignola – 48033 (RA)
Tel: 347 0732962 – 0545 42182 (Pro Loco Cotignola)
E-mail: info@prolococotignola.com
Price: admission free
