One of the most eagerly awaited events of the Romagna summer is back: the Notte Saracena, now in its 14th edition, is set to transform Mercato Saraceno once again into a vast open-air stage featuring music, the performing arts, travelling shows, visual installations and local specialities.
Notte Saracena 2026 is an invitation to experience the village, be amazed by art, share in the music and savour the best of summer in the Savio Valley. Three days of excitement, entertainment and beauty to enjoy together.
PREVIEW
24 JULY
The event kicks off with a special evening at the Madonna della Neve Arena – Monte Castello (Mercato Saraceno): headlining the night are Cadillac Circus with their electrifying concert, followed by an engaging DJ set to keep the party going under the stars.
PROGRAMME
6.30 pm Meet at the Monte Castello cemetery and start of the hike
7.00 pm Opening of the food stalls and bar run by the Monte Castello Pro Loco
9.00 pm – Cadillac Circus concert, followed by DJ Faggia
Free shuttle bus service
An evening of nature, music and conviviality on Friday 24 July, set against the evocative backdrop of the natural amphitheatre of Madonna della Neve, in Monte Castello. From 6.30 pm, get ready to enjoy an immersive experience where the pleasure of walking meets the magic of live entertainment.
The stars of the evening will be Cadillac Circus, an original project in which music, theatre, circus and magic blend into an engaging and surprising show. Their repertoire alternates between original songs and instrumental interludes, reinterpreted through a personal and unmistakable musical style.
Afterwards, the party will continue under the starry sky with DJ Faggia, bringing the evening to a close with rhythm, dancing and fun.
MEETING POINT AND WALK
The meeting point is at 6.30 pm at the car park of the Monte Castello cemetery. From here, a guided walk of around 2 kilometres (approximately 40 minutes) will set off, taking participants to Madonna della Neve Park, a special spot surrounded by greenery, to be reached slowly, step by step.
FOOD STALL
Upon arrival at the park, visitors will be welcomed by the Monte Castello Pro Loco food stall, offering tasty treats and local produce for an informal dinner to enjoy with friends before the show begins.
A taster of the Notte Saracena, which combines scenery, culture and the joy of being together, as we look forward to the big summer festival.
THE SARACEN NIGHT
25 JULY
From 6.30 pm, the village of Mercato Saraceno comes alive with performances and music spread across its squares, streets and picturesque spots: a journey of emotions, encounters and wonder that will keep the audience entertained until late into the night.
PROGRAMME
Circo Bottoni
Marakatimba
Duo Agua & Fire
Duo Bau
Dinamica del Controvento (Teatro Necessario)
THE MAGIC CONTINUES
26 JULY
The festivities continue with another day of shows and performances:
Circo Bottoni
Abraço Branco
Duo Agua & Fire
Duo Bau
Dinamica del Controvento (Teatro Necessario)
SPECIAL PROJECT 2026: VIDEO MAPPING
This year’s festival features a unique and immersive event: on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, the spectacular cliff face by the River Savio will become an extraordinary natural backdrop for a site-specific video mapping show conceived by Andrea Niccolai and accompanied by live music from Stefania Megale. A dialogue between nature, light and sound that promises to offer the audience an unforgettable experience.
FLAVOURS TO ENJOY
To complement the shows and concerts, on Saturday and Sunday there will be food and wine stalls to suit all tastes, showcasing the region’s finest produce and offering a host of specialities to savour in a festive and convivial atmosphere.