Torta dei Fieschi Festival 2027, Lavagna, Italy

• 14 août 2027
  Date de l'événement :
• 14 août 2027
  Fin de l'événement :

À quoi s’attendre en 2027

Torta dei Fieschi Festival 2027 will bring a medieval atmosphere to Lavagna in Liguria with a large historical procession, costumed characters, musicians, flag-wavers, dancers, armed demonstrations and the famous ceremonial cutting of the giant Torta dei Fieschi. The event recreates the legendary wedding of Count Opizzo Fieschi and Bianca de’ Bianchi and has been celebrated in Lavagna since 1949.

The festival is centred on the historic streets and squares of Lavagna, where more than a hundred costumed participants traditionally recreate the wedding procession. The celebrations culminate in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where the enormous wedding cake is presented and the traditional game connected with the cake begins.

Visitors can expect a mixture of historical reenactment and popular entertainment, including medieval music, dancing, flag performances, fire artists, historical combat and appearances by the Cavalieri del Fiesco. The atmosphere extends through the old town as the procession moves between important locations before reaching the main celebration area.

Dates des événements

Event date: August 14, 2027

The main Torta dei Fieschi celebration takes place annually in Lavagna and is traditionally centred on the wedding procession, the proclamation, the ceremonial cake cutting and the Game of the Couples. The official festival website identifies the event with August 14 and describes it as a tradition that has continued for more than seventy years.

The wider programme can include related historical and cultural activities surrounding the main celebration. The organisers are expected to publish the complete 2027 programme closer to the event.

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Lieux et lieux de festival

Basilica di Santo Stefano: The grand historical procession traditionally begins at the staircase of the Basilica di Santo Stefano in Piazza Marconi. The appearance of the Countess from the basilica forms an important opening moment of the celebration.

Piazza Marconi: This square provides the ceremonial starting point for the procession and is an important gathering point for visitors.

Historic centre of Lavagna: The medieval procession travels through central streets, allowing visitors to experience the event across the town rather than at a single enclosed venue.

Piazza della Libertà: The procession passes through this central square, which has also hosted performances and appearances connected with the historical celebration.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto: This is the main destination of the historical procession and the setting for the giant Torta dei Fieschi, the proclamation, cake cutting and Game of the Couples.

Torre Fieschi: The procession traditionally concludes near the Torre Fieschi, a reconstruction of an ancient military structure incorporated into the urban fabric of Via Roma.

Programme culturel complet

The 2027 programme is expected to follow the established format of the Torta dei Fieschi, combining medieval history, folklore, music and public entertainment.

Procession historique : The central procession features nobles, pages, torchbearers, standard-bearers, the Capitana di Sestiere, the Herald, the Master of Arms and other historical characters.

Wedding proclamation: The Herald announces the marriage of Opizzo Fieschi and Bianca de’ Bianchi as the narrative framework for the celebration.

Medieval performances: Music, dancing, flag-waving, armed displays, fire performances and juggling contribute to the entertainment programme.

Torta dei Fieschi: The enormous ceremonial cake is brought to the centre of the celebration before the Countess performs the traditional cutting.

Game of the Couples: Participants use matching male and female name cards to find their designated partner and receive the traditional cake portions.

Historical groups: The programme features the Gruppo Storico Sestieri di Lavagna, Musici e Sbandieratori, Cavalieri del Fiesco and Arcieri dei Sestieri.

Traditions et performances mises en avant

Corteo Storico: The historical procession is one of the defining features of the festival. The official organisers describe a varied procession containing more than 250 figures in its established format, including nobles, pages, flag-bearers, musicians and historical characters.

Musici e Sbandieratori: Drummers, trumpeters and flag-wavers accompany the procession and provide ceremonial performances in the town squares.

Cavalieri del Fiesco: The historical knights contribute medieval combat displays and help recreate the military and aristocratic atmosphere associated with the Fieschi family.

Arcieri dei Sestieri: Historical archers add demonstrations connected with medieval martial traditions.

Medieval dance and music: Historical dance groups and musicians perform throughout the celebration.

Fire and juggling: Fire performers and jugglers add theatrical entertainment to the medieval programme.

Points forts historiques et patrimoniaux

The festival is inspired by the Fieschi family, one of the most powerful aristocratic families associated with medieval Liguria. The official historical account connects the story to Opizzo Fieschi, brother of Sinibaldo Fieschi, who later became Pope Innocent IV.

According to the festival legend, Opizzo Fieschi returned victorious from military campaigns and married Bianca de’ Bianchi, a noblewoman from Siena. The wedding was supposedly celebrated with a huge cake offered to the population, forming the legendary foundation of today’s festival.

The organisers clearly distinguish the historical and legendary elements of the story. The modern festival was created in 1949 as a local historical and folkloric revival, combining documented elements of the Fieschi family with popular tradition and legend.

The Basilica dei Fieschi in nearby San Salvatore di Cogorno is also closely connected with the Fieschi heritage and the festival’s traditional narrative.

Programme des événements et activités

The exact 2027 programme will be announced by the organisers, but the established sequence generally includes:

• Historical and medieval-themed activities in Lavagna
• Arrival and presentation of historical characters
• Herald and wedding proclamation
• Musicians, drums and trumpets
• Flag-waving performances
• Démonstrations de combat historiques
• Archery performances
• Medieval dances
• Fire and juggling performances
• Historical wedding procession
• Presentation of Opizzo and Bianca
• Arrival in Piazza Vittorio Veneto
• Reading of the wedding proclamation
• Presentation of the giant wedding cake
• Ceremonial cake cutting by the Countess
• Opening of the Game of the Couples
• Distribution of the Torta dei Fieschi
• Evening entertainment throughout the central area

The organisers’ programme should be checked for the final 2027 running order and participating historical groups.

Types de billets et options d’entrée

Accès général au festival : The main public celebration is generally accessible without a general admission ticket. The Comune di Lavagna has listed the event as free entry, while the cake game uses a separate participation ticket.

Game of the Couples ticket: Participation in the traditional cake game requires a numbered or named card used to find the corresponding partner.

Previous-edition cake-game price: The participation ticket was previously reported at $2.93, based on a previous price of €2.50 converted to USD. This is a previous-edition reference and is not confirmed 2027 pricing.

Historical train: Special historic-train excursions have previously been offered separately from the festival itself. These require their own transport ticket and are not part of general festival admission.

Visites guidées et expériences culturelles

The Torta dei Fieschi is primarily a historical reenactment rather than a conventional guided-tour event. Visitors experience the history through the procession, costumes, performances, public ceremonies and storytelling.

Historical procession experience: Following the procession through the centre provides an opportunity to see the different historical characters and groups at close range.

Fieschi heritage: Visitors can combine the festival with a visit to the Basilica dei Fieschi in San Salvatore di Cogorno and other Fieschi-related heritage sites in the surrounding area.

Historical costumes: The procession features a large collection of medieval costumes representing nobles, pages, standard-bearers, musicians, knights and other characters.

Traditional cake experience: The Game of the Couples provides the most distinctive participatory experience, linking the historical wedding story with the distribution of the traditional cake.

Cérémonies et célébrations spéciales

Wedding proclamation: The proclamation announces the marriage of Opizzo Fieschi and Bianca de’ Bianchi and establishes the narrative of the celebration.

Appearance of the Countess: The Countess traditionally emerges from the Basilica di Santo Stefano before the historical procession begins. This moment formally launches the main celebration.

Historical wedding procession: The marriage is recreated through the movement of nobles, musicians, flag-wavers, knights and other historical figures through the streets of Lavagna.

Cake cutting: The Countess cuts the enormous Torta dei Fieschi in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, beginning the traditional distribution and Game of the Couples.

Addio do Fantin: The wider tradition also includes the Count’s symbolic bachelor celebration at the Basilica dei Fieschi in San Salvatore di Cogorno as a prologue to the main wedding festivities.

Règles du festival

The main participatory tradition is the Game of the Couples, which is connected directly to the distribution of the Torta dei Fieschi.

Matching cards: Participants receive cards carrying names. Traditionally, male and female participants search the crowd for the person carrying the matching name.

Cake collection: When the corresponding pair is found, the participants can present their matching cards and receive the traditional cake portions.

Participation: The cake game is separate from simply watching the procession and performances, so visitors who only want to observe the historical celebration do not necessarily need to participate.

Espaces publics : Visitors should follow instructions from organisers, police and municipal staff, particularly around the procession route and crowded areas.

The final 2027 participation rules and arrangements should be checked with the Sestieri di Lavagna before the event.

Comment y arriver

Lavagna is located in Liguria on the Italian Riviera, in the Metropolitan City of Genoa.

En voiture : Lavagna can be reached by road from Genoa and other towns along the Ligurian coast. Visitors arriving by car should allow additional time because the historic centre becomes busy during the festival.

Par train : Lavagna has a railway station on the coastal railway network, making rail travel particularly practical for visitors arriving from Genoa and other Ligurian destinations.

From Genoa: Lavagna can be reached by regional rail services along the coast, while visitors can also travel by road.

Par avion : Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is the closest major airport for international visitors, followed by other northern Italian airports depending on the travel itinerary.

A historic train service has previously been organised specifically for the Torta dei Fieschi, demonstrating the suitability of rail travel for attending the festival.

Transports en commun et stationnement

Train : Lavagna railway station provides convenient access to the town and avoids the difficulties of parking during a major summer celebration.

Regional rail: Regional trains connect Lavagna with Genoa and other coastal destinations.

Historic train: Special heritage services have previously operated between Genoa and Lavagna for the festival. In a recent edition, the regional authorities also arranged a special historic service to help visitors attend and return after the event.

Stationnement : Visitors arriving by car should use municipal and designated parking areas outside the busiest pedestrian sections and walk toward the historic centre.

Because the procession occupies central streets, temporary traffic restrictions and parking changes may be introduced. Visitors should follow municipal signs and local traffic instructions on the event day.

Zones d’hébergement

Lavagna historic centre: The most convenient choice for visitors who want to stay close to the procession, squares, restaurants and evening celebrations.

Lavagna seafront: Accommodation near the coast provides easy access to the beach as well as the festival area.

Chiavari: The neighbouring town offers additional hotels, guesthouses and transport connections and is a practical alternative when accommodation in Lavagna is limited.

Sestri Levante: A popular coastal base with a wider tourism infrastructure and convenient rail access to Lavagna.

Genoa: Suitable for visitors combining the festival with a wider Ligurian itinerary and travelling to Lavagna by train.

Early accommodation booking is recommended because the festival takes place during the peak summer period on the Ligurian coast.

Cuisine et spécialités traditionnelles

The central culinary attraction is the Torta dei Fieschi itself, a giant wedding cake created specifically for the celebration. The official festival website states that the cake is produced according to a recipe developed by historic Lavagna pastry shops.

Torta dei Fieschi: The signature dessert is traditionally prepared in enormous quantities and distributed to participants through the Game of the Couples.

Wedding cake tradition: The cake symbolises the legendary wedding of Opizzo Fieschi and Bianca de’ Bianchi and has become the defining culinary symbol of the event.

Local pastry tradition: Historic pastry shops in Lavagna have played an important role in preparing the dessert, while recent editions have involved several local pastry makers working together.

Liguria food: Visitors can also explore Ligurian specialities in Lavagna’s restaurants and bakeries, including focaccia, seafood dishes, pesto-based pasta and local pastries.

Recent editions have produced hundreds of kilograms of cake and thousands of portions for festival participants.

Accessibilité

The festival takes place largely in public streets and squares, making it possible to experience many activities without entering a conventional enclosed venue.

However, the historic centre and procession route can become extremely crowded. Visitors with mobility requirements should consider arriving early and contacting the organisers or Comune di Lavagna in advance about suitable viewing areas.

Crowds: The event attracts thousands of people, particularly around Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the cake distribution area.

Historic streets: Some streets and public areas may have uneven surfaces or restricted vehicle access during the procession.

Assistance: Visitors requiring specific accessibility arrangements should contact the organisers before travelling.

Meilleures expériences culturelles

Watch the historical procession: The medieval procession is the best way to see the scale of the festival, with nobles, pages, knights, musicians, standard-bearers and performers moving through the historic centre.

See the Countess emerge: The opening appearance from the Basilica di Santo Stefano provides an important ceremonial moment before the procession begins.

Experience the Game of the Couples: Visitors can participate in the distinctive tradition by obtaining a matching card and searching the square for their corresponding partner.

Watch the cake cutting: The ceremonial cutting of the enormous Torta dei Fieschi is the visual and culinary climax of the celebration.

See the historical performers: Musicians, flag-wavers, archers, knights, dancers and fire performers provide a varied programme beyond the main procession.

Explore Fieschi heritage: A visit to the Basilica dei Fieschi in nearby San Salvatore di Cogorno adds historical context to the story recreated by the festival.

Faits marquants de l’année précédente

The 2026 edition was the 76th edition of the Torta dei Fieschi and continued the traditional historical reenactment in the centre of Lavagna. The event featured the wedding story of Opizzo Fieschi and Bianca de’ Bianchi, a large historical procession and the giant cake distribution through the Game of the Couples.

The 2026 cake production involved approximately 600 kilograms of dessert and around 6,000 portions. Local pastry makers prepared the giant cake for distribution during the celebration.

The procession featured hundreds of historical participants and included musicians, flag-wavers, medieval performers and other reenactors. The event again attracted large crowds to Lavagna’s central streets and squares.

The 2025 edition also highlighted the return of local Lavagna pastry makers to the production of the traditional cake, with several local pastry businesses collaborating on the large-scale dessert.

Billets officiels

The main Torta dei Fieschi celebration is generally free to attend, with the Comune di Lavagna listing the event as free entry. Participation in the traditional Game of the Couples requires its own ticket, which has historically been sold separately.

Previous cake-game price: approximately $2.93 per participation ticket, based on the previously published price of €2.50. This is a previous-edition reference and should not be treated as confirmed 2027 pricing.

Site officiel : https://www.tortadeifieschi.com/

Téléphone : +39 333 983 8686

Courriel : sestierilavagna@gmail.com

The organisers should be contacted for the 2027 Game of the Couples ticket arrangements and any updated participation requirements.

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