Emilia Romagna Castles

Riccione’s summer season is set to welcome back one of its most authentic and symbolic events: on Wednesday 17 June, from 8.30 pm until around midnight, the harbour square (Piazzale De Gasperi) will host the 62nd edition of the “Festa della Rustida”, the annual event that renews the deep bond of friendship between the town and its visitors.

This historic celebration has its roots in an event etched in the town’s memory: 8 June 1964, when a violent storm struck the coast, devastating the beach establishments. It was precisely during that emergency that tourists, in a spontaneous outpouring of extraordinary solidarity, went down to the beach alongside the lifeguards to rebuild their beach establishments in record time. For over sixty years, La Rustida has continued to honour that special gesture, transforming the memory of a past tragedy into a grand celebration of gratitude dedicated to those who choose Riccione for their holidays.

During the evening, piadina and grilled sardines will be distributed free of charge, prepared directly by the lifeguards. With a donation of €5 to the association, or by purchasing directly at the till, you will receive the traditional mug entitling you to unlimited wine and beer while stocks last. The soundtrack and energy of La Rustida will be provided by the musical entertainment of DJ Maurino (Mauro Forbicini) and Ale Imperiale with their “Cantagriglia”, an entertainment format designed to engage the audience with dancing and songs to sing along to.

To enrich the evening, there will also be two important areas dedicated to charity and promoting the local area. On the one hand, the IOR (Romagna Cancer Institute) stand will be open to support research and prevention. On the other, visitors can visit the stand of the Association for the UNESCO Candidacy with the “Identità di Spiaggia” project. Created to safeguard and promote the history, traditions and social heritage linked to Riccione’s seaside life, this project shares the prestigious ministerial recognition, having been officially included, from 2024, in the General Catalogue of Cultural Heritage in the section dedicated to demo-ethno-anthropological heritage.

At around 10.45 pm, the sky will light up with a fireworks display organised by Fonti Pirotecnica.

The 62nd edition is organised by the Riccione Lifeguards’ Cooperative, which has always promoted the event, in collaboration with the network of the Association for the UNESCO Nomination, of which it is a member and which also comprises: the Adriatica Lifeguards’ Cooperative, CNA Servizi Riccione, Confcommercio Riccione, Confartigianato Riccione branch, Federalberghi Riccione, Lega Navale, Riccione Nautical Club, Riccione Municipal Sports Club, Famija Arciunesa and Blennius. The event enjoys the patronage and support of Riccione Town Council and the backing of its long-standing partner, Riccione Piadina.