Emilia-Romagna Motor Valley Festival 2023: Cars, Racing & Events

May 11–14, enjoy the Italian sunshine at one of Europe’s most prestigious automotive festivals, with special celebrations marking Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary, Enzo Ferrari’s 125th birthday and the 75th anniversary of the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola.

museum

© Fabio Casari

The festival takes place in Modena, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its rich automotive heritage. Attendees can join conferences and roundtables tailored for car enthusiasts and visit exhibitions spotlighting Motor Valley marques such as Ducati, Dallara, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.

Beyond shows and displays, the program includes parades and food and wine tastings. Consider a short excursion to the National Motorcycle Museum in Rimini, where more than 250 motorcycles from 55 notable brands are on display. The collection ranges from early French makes like Werner to historic Italian names such as Frera and Stucchi, accompanied by posters, photos, accessories, sidecars and early two-wheeled models dating to the late 19th century. The museum is open on weekdays by appointment.

exterior

© Musei Ferrari

A few automotive facts to enrich your visit: Lamborghini was founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini, who originally built tractors. The brand adopted a bull as its emblem—a deliberate contrast to Ferrari’s prancing horse. In Sant’Agata, Bologna, the Automobili Lamborghini Museum features themed exhibits on production, technology, innovation and motorsport history. Nearby, the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum in Argelato offers insight into the founder’s life and legacy.

If you prefer Ferrari’s story, a film about the company’s history—shot in Modena—is scheduled for release and features an international cast, drawing renewed attention to the region’s automotive legacy.