Festivamente | Cultural events

A citywide programme of events, lights, art and culture promoted by the Municipality of Bologna.

Bologna celebrates the festive season with Festivamente, the schedule that animates the city with cultural events, performances, light installations and activities for all ages.

New Year’s Eve in Piazza Maggiore

On the night of 31 December, Piazza Maggiore becomes a large open-air stage with music, lights and DJ sets leading up to the traditional burning of the artist-designed Vecchione. After midnight, a renowned national DJ kicks off the new year. Entry is limited to 9,000 people.

The Vecchione ritual

At the stroke of midnight, the ritual burning of the Vecchione takes place, a symbolic gesture to let go of the year that ends. The 2025 edition features a work made of natural materials evoking a wild dimension, conceived as a symbolic effigy to be purified by fire.

The first day of the year

On 1 January, the celebrations continue with the 19th-Century Grand Ball at Palazzo Re Enzo, a charity event featuring dancers in period costumes. The Civic Museums are open from 12:00 to 19:00 with festive exhibitions such as Graphic Japan. From Hokusai to Manga (Civic Archaeological Museum), a focus on Bartolomeo Cesi at the Medieval Civic Museum, and the exhibition Nativity Scenes from the Forlai Collection at the Davia Bargellini Museum.

The city lights up

Via Indipendenza hosts new artistic light installations featuring lyrics by Luca Carboni; traditional lights return to the city centre along with the Christmas Tree in Piazza del Nettuno. At Palazzo d’Accursio, the Magia di Natale Nativity scene is open to visitors.

Citywide events and activities for everyone

The programme includes guided tours in the historic centre, initiatives in the municipal libraries, and the Natale XXL event in Piazza XX Settembre with a market fair and ice-skating rink.