Events
Information about the Mezza Quaresima Festival 2026
The Mezza Quaresima Festival is one of the most heartfelt and identity-defining events of Bergamo’s tradition: a moment when the city comes together to celebrate its history, folklore, and the popular spirit that has animated Bergamo for centuries. Organised by the Ducato di Piazza Pontida, the festival has its roots in ancient medieval customs, when—halfway through the Lenten period—it was permitted to set aside austerity and make room for conviviality, satire, and celebration.
With traditional masks, allegorical floats, music, colours, and irony, Mezza Quaresima still represents a unique opportunity for adults and children alike to experience the city streets in a joyful and engaging atmosphere. An event that brings together past and present, telling the story of Bergamo’s popular soul through smiles, creativity, and the participation of the entire community.
In 2026, the Mezza Quaresima Festival will once again bring the city to life on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March.
In the event of bad weather, the festival will be postponed to the following weekend, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026, to ensure the event can take place safely and in the festive spirit that has always defined it
In the event of bad weather, the festival will be postponed to the following weekend, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026, to ensure the event can take place safely and in the festive spirit that has always defined it
More events
Musical Event
L'Elisir d'Amore Opera by Gaetano Donizetti
August 19, 2026At Piazza Cittadella Bergamo Alta (BG)
The Ducato di Piazza Pontida proudly presents a new production of L'Elisir d'Amore, one of Gaetano Donizetti's most celebrated operatic masterpieces.
Performed in the beautiful setting of Piazza Cittadella in Bergamo Alta, this production brings to life one of the finest comic operas in the Italian repertoire, combining romance, humour and unforgettable music.
The performance will take place on Wednesday, 19 August 2026 at 8:30 PM.
Music, Theater and Culture
E...state in Provincia 2026 - A summer festival of music, theatre and culture in Bergamo
July 09, 2026At Palazzo della Provincia, in Via Tasso 8 a Bergamo.
E...state in Provincia 2026 is the summer cultural programme organised by the Ducato di Piazza Pontida, bringing music, theatre and live performances to the historic courtyard of the Province Palace in Bergamo.
Throughout the season, audiences can enjoy concerts, theatrical performances and cultural events celebrating both local traditions and international artistic exchange.
Theatrical Event
Renzo e Lucia spusàs o spusàs mia Bergamasque Dialect Musical Comedy
September 11, 2026At ChorusLife (Piazza del Sagittario) Via Carlo Serassi, 26 - 24124 Bergamo (BG)
The Ducato di Piazza Pontida concludes its programme of Bergamasque dialect theatre with Renzo e Lucia spusàs o spusàs mia, a lively musical comedy performed by the Il Teatro del Gioppino Theatre Company from Zanica.
This entertaining production offers a humorous reinterpretation of Alessandro Manzoni's masterpiece The Betrothed, combining local dialect, music and comedy in a performance that celebrates Bergamo's theatrical tradition.
The performance will take place on 11 September 2026 in Piazza del Sagittario at ChorusLife.