Cesenatico celebrates Garibaldi's feat with a grand festival of history, entertainment, and tradition. On the first weekend of August, Cesenatico once again recounts one of the most fascinating pages of Italian Risorgimento history, with the traditional Garibaldi Festival, which commemorates the historic passage of the Hero of Two Worlds through the port of the Romagna city.
It was August 2, 1849, when Giuseppe Garibaldi, fleeing with his wife Anita from French and Bourbon forces, arrived in Cesenatico with the intention of embarking to reach Venice, which was still resisting the Austrian siege. The port, one of the main Adriatic ports, represented the only way to safety. Garibaldi managed to set sail with twelve bragozzi and a tartana, but the crossing was interrupted by the Austrian navy: the boats were intercepted and forced to land near Magnavacca, a locality that would later be renamed Porto Garibaldi in his honor.
The program of the Garibaldi Festival 2026
The 2025 edition of the Festival will open on Saturday, August 1 at 9:00 PM at the charming Vecchio Squero on the Porto Canale, with one of the most anticipated events: the Palio della Cuccagna between the Districts of Cesenatico. Ten city districts – including Villalta, Borella, Cannucceto, Ponente, and Sala – will compete in a spectacular test of balance and agility: climbing a 14-meter-long pole covered in grease, positioned on the banks of the port. The teams, each composed of five “cuccagnotti” (greasy pole climbers), will be preceded by a colorful historical procession with flag-wavers, musicians, and costumed figures from Terra del Sole.
Sunday, August 2, the event will come alive with an entire day dedicated to historical memory. At 9:30 AM, the Garibaldini parade will begin, accompanied by city authorities and the “Città di Gradara” musical band. The procession will start from the Town Hall and proceed along Corso Garibaldi to Piazza Pisacane, where the first monument dedicated to Garibaldi erected in Italy is located, notable for depicting the hero not on horseback. This will be followed by a visit to the house on the port where Anita Garibaldi found refuge and a commemorative ceremony in Piazza Ciceruacchio, with speeches by city authorities and representatives of the National Association of Garibaldian Veterans and Survivors.
The most evocative moment will arrive in the late morning, when motorboats and historic boats with colorful sails will sail the sea for the traditional commemorative excursion. On board, the band, the Garibaldini in uniform, and all citizens and tourists who wish to participate, for the symbolic laying of a wreath in the sea in memory of the endeavor.
To conclude the festival, on Sunday evening at 10:00 PM, a breathtaking fireworks display: musical fireworks, visible from the free beach of Piazza Costa. The show, realized with the support of the Cesenatico Beach Establishments Cooperative, will last approximately 25 minutes and will be accompanied by six international musical pieces, creating a perfect blend of light and music.
A weekend of history, tradition, and entertainment, to experience the memory of the Hero of Two Worlds and rediscover the Risorgimento soul of Cesenatico.
