Grand Ball at Montecuccoli Castle

On Sunday 7 June 2026, the picturesque Montecuccoli Castle in Guiglia will be transformed into an elegant 19th-century drawing room for the Grand Ball at Montecuccoli Castle, one of the most captivating events dedicated to historical re-enactment and traditional 19th-century dance. Organised by the Società di Danza Circolo Modenese, the event will offer the public the chance to immerse themselves in the refined atmosphere of the grand aristocratic balls of the era.

The event will take place against two exceptional backdrops: the spectacular Piazza Belvedere, known as ‘The Balcony of Emilia’ for its panoramic view of the surrounding hills, and the elegant halls of Montecuccoli Castle, one of the iconic landmarks of the Modena Apennines.

At 4.00 pm, dancers in period costume will perform in the picturesque Piazza Belvedere, treating the public to a spectacular display of elegance, music and harmonious movements. Ladies and gentlemen will wear splendid outfits inspired by 19th-century fashion, bringing to life the atmosphere of the grand receptions of the era.

From 4.30 pm, the event will continue inside the castle, in the splendid Hall of Mirrors, the ballroom which, for the occasion, will once again host traditional European dances. The performances will include quadrilles, contradances, waltzes, polkas and figured mazurkas, performed in accordance with rigorous historical and philological research carried out by the Dance Society.

The association has, in fact, been committed for years to the rediscovery and promotion of nineteenth-century dances, recovering ancient dance manuals and bringing to light a cultural heritage that had long been forgotten. Thanks to this work of research and dissemination, the public will be able to witness choreography faithful to the traditions of the era and understand the role that dance played in nineteenth-century society.

The Grand Ball at Montecuccoli Castle is not merely a dance performance, but a true journey through time that allows visitors to rediscover the customs, traditions and social relations of the 19th century through music and the art of movement. The event, with free admission, is designed to engage visitors of all ages, offering a unique cultural experience in one of the most charming settings in Emilia-Romagna.

With period costumes, timeless melodies and evocative settings, the Grand Ball at Montecuccoli Castle promises an afternoon brimming with charm, elegance and history in the heart of the Modena Apennines.