Christmas sometimes begins long before December 25th. It starts when villages fill with lights, when the aromas of holiday sweets drift from kitchens, and when people gather in town squares to share a day of tradition, good food, and cheer. In Sala Baganza, nestled in the foothills near Parma, this occasion has a specific name: Dolce Rocca.
On Sunday, December 6, 2026, the event returns to bring the town’s historic center to life, centered around two iconic local landmarks: the historic Rocca Sanvitale (fortress) and Piazza Gramsci. It is a day dedicated to food and wine, culture, and Christmas traditions—perfect for those who love discovering local flavors, browsing artisanal goods, and soaking up the festive holiday atmosphere.
From 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, the halls of the Rocca Sanvitale—decorated for the Christmas season—will host stalls featuring local pastries, baked goods, and wines. Visitors can meet the local producers firsthand and discover items crafted with a focus on high-quality raw ingredients and traditional artisanal methods.
While the Rocca Sanvitale serves as a place for discovery and meeting the producers, Piazza Gramsci acts as the social heart of the event. At 12:00 PM, the local community association will host a lunch featuring specialties from the culinary tradition of Parma, including the longest cotechino (traditional pork sausage) in the province, anolini in broth, and classic boiled meat dishes.
Masterclasses and circus entertainment: an afternoon of events. Dolce Rocca offers more than just tastings and product sales. The program also includes a variety of other activities, such as "standing" masterclasses focused on food and wine pairings, curated by the Parma branch of the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS). A contemporary circus performance curated by Ufficio Incredibile; all-day play activities for children at the Wine Museum; and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
In the afternoon, at 5:30 PM, there will be a holiday greeting and the lighting of the tree.
