On June 24, the entire Bassa Reggiana - and beyond - celebrates Saint John’s night (Notte di San Giovanni), marking the birth of John the Baptist, also closely linked to the ancient Midsummer festivities across Europe.
According to local tradition, this is the night to prepare purifying water for the following morning, to gather green walnuts for making the classical nocino liqueur, and to enjoy tortelli verdi (green tortelli) - a fresh pasta parcels filled with a mixture of cooked greens (such as spinach and chard), ricotta cheese, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Still today, on this night, meals featuring this traditional dish are organized - that's why we speak of the Tortellate di San Giovanni (Saint John's Tortellate)! 

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