Festina Lente - Events in Ferrara

Multiple events

In 2025 will be the 30th anniversary of the World Heritage for the city of Este and the 10th for the Biosphere reserve MaB of Delta del Po: celebrating with "Festina Lente", between Nature, art and high cuisine

In 2025 Ferrara and its province celebrate two important anniversaries: 30 years as UNESCO Heritage and 10 years of Delta del Po as a UNESCO MaB Reserve.

To honorate these anniversaries, "Festina Lente" was born, a project that invites people to slowly explore the wonders of the territory through six thematic itineraries.

The itineraries range from the historic Este Walls, to the renaissance ducal residencies of the Este known as Delizie, to the evocative landscapes of Comacchio Valleys. Nature lovers can immerse in experiences such as birdwatching, bike tours and navigations on the historic canals.

In addition to the itineraries, "Festina Lente" offers a rich calendar of events that celebrate art, gastronomy and traditions. Among the most anticipated events, Renaissance banquets, show cooking with starred chefs and historical parades on the waters of Comacchio. The highlight of the event will be the Este Gala dinner, scheduled for the end of october 2025, an exclusive event that will feature chef Carlo Cracco, committed to reinterpreting the glories of Renaissance cuisine in an exceptional historical location.

A unique opportunity to explore Ferrara, Ostellato and Delta del Po with the right rhythm, where "Festina Lente" becomes an invitation to slow down and taste every shade of this extraordinary World Heritage.

A project financed by the Ministry of Tourism, aimed to enhance municipalities with a tourist-cultural vocation in whose territories there are sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage and municipalities belonging to the network of the creative cities of UNESCO

Timetable

CARNIVAL BANQUET OF THE ESTE

March 2nd 2025

Piazza del Municipio (Ferrara)

Free access

Event organized on the occasion of the Este Carnival, with the involvement of Ferrara Palio and of IIS Vergana-Navarra. An immersive experience in the Carnival tradition of the Este with historical dishes, animations and tastings.

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MESSISBUGO LESSONS - COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF IGLES CORELLI

April 12th 2025

Palazzo Pendaglia, Istituto Orio Vergani (Via Sogari, 3 - Ferrara)

Paid admission (to be defined)

A laboratory of show cooking dedicated to Renaissance cuisine, guided by chef Igles Corelli. During the event, the participants will have the opportunity to watch and learn the cooking techniques of that era and to, possibly, taste the meals.

Following this, it will be possible to book an exclusive dinner in the same historical location, Palazzo Pendaglia.

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NOON WITH MESSISBUGO - COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF DANIELE PERSEGANI

May 11th 2025

Palazzo Pendaglia, Istituto Orio Vergani (Via Sogari, 3 - Ferrara)

Paid admission (to be defined)

A laboratory of show cooking with the participation of chef Daniele Persegani and Ferrara Palio, dedicated to the historical Renaissance cuisine. A culinary journey to discover the secrets and flavors of the tables of the time.

Following this, it will be possible to book an exclusive lunch in the same historical location, Palazzo Pendaglia.

A RENAISSANCE EXCLUSIVE! - ZUCCA IN FESTA

October 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th October

Ostellato (FE), during the food festival "Zucca in Festa" (Feasting with the Pumpkins)

A la carte

On the occasion of "Zucca in Festa" will be created an exclusive dish inspired by the Renaissance which will enrich the menu of the gastronomic event of reference for the Municipality of Ostellato.

THE ESTE GALA DINNER WITH CHEF CARLO CRACCO

End of october 2025

Exclusive palace in the historic center of Ferrara

Paid admission (to be defined)

An exclusive gala dinner, starring Chef Carlo Cracco, who recalls the pomp and refinement of the Este courts. The event will take place in a very prestigious site, with a Renaissance banquet inspired menu and themed entertainment.