Italian Motor Week in Maranello: When Engines Tell Stories

From September 19 to 27, Maranello will host its segment of Italian Motor Week—the major event organized by Città dei Motori to showcase the unique heritage of Italian automotive excellence. And here, in the heart of Motor Valley, the events take on a very special form: that of an intimate and passionate celebration of Enzo Ferrari, the region that gave birth to him, and the engines that still beat like his heart.

The Car as the Star of True Stories

When the first classic cars gather in Piazza Libertà on Saturday, September 19, for the Modena Grand Prix—on Enzo’s roads—you truly understand what “regularity” means. It’s not a race in the traditional sense: it’s a parade of about 50 vintage cars driving through regular traffic at a controlled speed, following exactly the same routes where Enzo used to test his creations. There are only two timed runs, in closed-off areas, but that “timing” takes on a different meaning when you follow in his footsteps.

The event organized by the Circolo della Biella is a history lesson on four wheels. It begins at 8 a.m. with technical inspections, continues with staggered departures for the test runs, culminates at noon with the parade itself, and is followed by an exhibition in the square until 7 p.m. If you love historic vehicles—not just museum pieces, but the stories they carry with them—here you’ll find an authentic experience that doesn’t disappoint.

The Settings of a Legend

That same evening, but at a completely different pace, the “Urban Trek Through Enzo Ferrari’s Places” takes you on foot through the city’s iconic landmarks. Two tours: one early in the morning (9 a.m., departing from the Ferrari Museum and featuring a balsamic vinegar tasting at City Hall), and another mid-morning (11 a.m., from City Hall to an aperitif at the Made in Red Café). A local expert provides commentary, and you’ll enjoy authentic tastings of local products. It’s the most direct way to experience—literally—the places where the legend once walked.

And if you’d like to take a closer look during the day, Officina Toni Auto will be opening its doors to the public from Saturday the 19th through Saturday the 26th. Free of charge, by reservation: a guided tour inside one of Maranello’s most iconic workshops, where classic cars are restored with the care they deserve. It’s a rare opportunity to see it from the inside.

Slower Breaths: Art, Words, Flavor

Italian Motor Week isn’t all about motion and speed. On Sunday, September 20, the “Auto-Ritratti” exhibition opens at the Madonna del Corso Cultural Space: Paolo Pelosi Bonini’s photographs explore the genuine bond between owners and their vehicles—not fetishism for its own sake, but the deep relationship between man and machine. It remains open until early October with limited hours (check the calendar, but expect Sundays and select Saturdays).

Also on Sunday, the 20th, at 5:00 p.m., the Ferrari Museum’s conference room will host the presentation of Danilo Moriero’s book *Carabinieri e Alfa Romeo*. This photo book chronicles the long partnership between the Carabinieri and Alfa Romeo from the postwar years to the present, featuring photographs taken at iconic locations in Rome. It’s not just for historians—it’s for anyone who wants to understand how cars have shaped Italian culture.

On Saturday the 26th, at 5:00 p.m. at the Mabic Library: *Mistero Rosso* by Maria Cristina Zanti—a noir novel with a Po Valley twist set in the hills of Modena, featuring a plot of intrigue and industrial espionage centered on Ferrari enthusiasts. Actor Simone Maretti will read excerpts. If you love automotive-themed mystery novels, this is the event you’ve been waiting for.

The Big Stage: Overtaking on the Track

On Saturday, the 19th, in the evening, something special is happening in Fiorano, in Piazza Ciro Menotti. Starting at 4:00 p.m., go-karts and free driving simulator trials will be set up—for anyone who wants to experience the feel, the adrenaline, and the thrill on a miniature scale. Then, at 8:30 p.m., the real show begins.

René Arnoux—the former Formula 1 driver known for his legendary rivalry with Gilles Villeneuve and that historic pass—recounts the 1979 Diogione race and other passes that set Formula 1 hearts racing. An evening of stories and exclusive engine sounds from the Motor Land Band, hosted by Rita Costi and Franco Nugnes (columnist for Motorsport.com Italia). This isn’t a sit-down conference. It’s a celebration.

Sunday: The Grand Finale

Sunday, September 27, is all about pure sports excitement. At the Enzo Ferrari Auditorium at 1:00 p.m., there will be a live broadcast on a giant screen of the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix—admission is free. Join other fans at the venue named after the man who built the legend you’re watching.

Then, for those looking for a more down-to-earth experience, on Sunday mornings (9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), the Acetaia Comunale opens its doors for a special event: a tour with the Maranello Tipico Committee among the barrels of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, an explanation of the centuries-old process, and the opportunity to purchase the finished product. It’s the bridge between the Ferrari engine and the surrounding region—because Maranello isn’t just about the Prancing Horse; it’s also about food and wine traditions.

Why Visit Maranello During Italian Motor Week

This isn’t mass tourism. Every event has a human scale, offering a genuine connection to history and to the people who bring it to life. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast, someone curious about literature related to motorsports, a lover of local flavors, or simply someone who wants to better understand how one man—Enzo—changed the world from the hills of Modena, Italian Motor Week in Maranello has the answer for you.

And if, while you’re here, you want to experience firsthand what it’s like to to drive a Ferrari in the very place where it was born, or take a spin on our F1 simulators , or take a tour with an expert guide at the nearest museum, we’re here for you. It’s not part of the official program—it’s part of the true Maranello experience.

Always check the official dates and times before you go: the events are confirmed, but booking details and schedules may vary. Visit the official Maranello Plus website and the Italian Motor Week calendar.