Romagnolo

Romagnolo is the demonym for people from Romagna, a historical-cultural region in Northern Italy. The term also refers to the Romagnol language or dialects, which form part of the Emilian–Romagnol linguistic continuum. Romagna lies along the Adriatic coast and extends across parts of the modern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna.

Geographically, Romagna roughly corresponds to the eastern portion of Emilia-Romagna, with major towns such as Rimini, Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena and Imola. The coastline and inland hills shape its economy and identity, with both agricultural traditions and coastal activities playing roles.

Romagnol dialects are a group of Gallo-Italic varieties. Though Italian is the dominant language, Romagnol is spoken in rural areas and cultural contexts, and it is recognized as part of the region’s linguistic heritage. The dialects vary across provinces and communities, reflecting a long-standing regional diversity.

The culture of Romagna is known for cuisine, arts and festivals. Typical dishes include piadina, cappelletti, passatelli, and lasagne verdi, alongside wines such as Albana di Romagna. Coastal towns emphasize maritime traditions and hospitality, while inland areas preserve folk customs and historic towns.

Historically, Romagna has been part of the Roman Empire and later circulated among medieval and early modern states, including various duchies and the Papal States, before joining the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century. The region's modern identity blends its ancient roots with contemporary industry and tourism.

Notable Romagnoli include film director Federico Fellini (Rimini) and poet Giovanni Pascoli (San Mauro Pascoli), among others who have contributed to Italian culture and arts.