Festa della Segavecchia
From 27th to 30th March 2025
Traditional feast which takes place in Cotignola every year during the third week of Lent. The festival forsees the performance of bands, folk groups, dancers, majorettes and a float parade.
The peak of the festival is the decapitation and the stake of a puppet representing the old witch. The decapitation is proceeded by the reading of the condamnation and followed by the stake.
Another ritual follows: a doll hung to some colourful ballons is launched, it contains a message and a prize for the lucky one who catches it. This ritual is a welcome of Spring and a wish to everyone for all the best.
The origins
According to the tradition, this festival dates back to the age of Francesco Sforza. The Lord had discovered a witch casting a bad spell on him, so she had been beheaded. The condemnetion was carried out right away (in the middle of Lent) in front of the applauding folk.
Programme of the main events
27th March, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
10.30 am The Segavecchia arrives in the square
2.30 pm Burning of Segavecchia
7 pm Metallurgical aperitif of the bars in the square
9 pm Performance of the Metallurgica Viganò
28th March, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
9 pm Performance of the Basterd Jazz
29th March, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
8.30 pm Performance of the Flints
30th March
11 am, Piazzale della Pace
Historical parade
3.30 pm
Masked parade, with walking groups accompanied by the Banda Folkloristica di Dozza
Historical walk with musicians and flag-wavers
5 pm, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Walking group awards ceremony
5.30 pm, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Reading of the condamnation and burning of Segavecchia
FOOD STAND (Piazza Mazzini): opening at 7 pm. On Sunday, March 30th, 12 and 6 pm
Useful information
Town centre
Cotignola – 48033 (RA)
Tel: 347 0732962 – 0545 42182 (Pro Loco Cotignola)
E-mail: info@prolococotignola.com
How to get there
The festival takes place in the streets of the historical town centre and it is accessible to disabled. Car parks along the streets.
Price: admission free
