New Year's Eve in Bologna
Capodanno in Bologna is a street party with a fire at the centre of it. The whole city funnels into Piazza Maggiore to watch the old year literally go up in flames.
Bologna does New Year's Eve, or Capodanno, the way it does most things: warmly, loudly and around food. There's a big free concert in the main square, a midnight tradition you won't see anywhere else in Italy, and a long lunch on New Year's Day to recover. Here's how the night works and how to make the most of it.
The Vecchione: burning the old year
The heart of the night is the Rogo del Vecchione, the burning of the "Big Old Man." Each year an artist builds a giant effigy that's set up in Piazza Maggiore, and at midnight it's set alight to send off the old year and clear the way for the new one. Thousands gather to watch it burn, usually after a countdown and fireworks. It's free, it's outdoors, and it's the thing locals mean when they talk about Capodanno.
Local tip
The square fills up well before midnight and the surrounding streets get packed. Arrive early if you want a clear view of the Vecchione, dress for the cold, and agree a meeting point with your group in case phone signal drops in the crowd.
The Piazza Maggiore concert
In the hours before midnight the city stages a free open-air concert in Piazza Maggiore, usually with Italian acts and a DJ set to carry the crowd through to the countdown. Programmes are announced by the city in December, so check the official Bologna Welcome listings closer to the date.
Where to eat on New Year's Eve
Most Bolognesi mark the night with a long cenone (the big New Year's Eve dinner) before heading to the square. Restaurants run fixed-price menus heavy on lentils and cotechino or zampone, pork sausage with lentils, eaten for luck and prosperity. Book well ahead; the good trattorias sell out their Capodanno seatings weeks in advance. If you'd rather graze, plan an earlier aperitivo and street food before the crowds build.
Getting around on the night
The centre becomes pedestrian-heavy and some streets close for the event, so don't plan on driving near Piazza Maggiore. Stay somewhere central and walk, see where to stay and the historic center guide. Buses run but get busy; check public transport for any holiday timetable changes.
New Year's Day
January 1 is quiet. Many shops and museums stay shut, and the city sleeps in. It's a good morning for a slow walk under the porticoes or up to San Luca, followed by a late lunch. If you're visiting over the holidays, pair this with the Christmas in Bologna guide and the city's Christmas markets.
For everything else happening through the year, see the Bologna events calendar and the best time to visit.