Riccione (Rimini), August 5, 2026 — The nightlife world loses one of its most well-known figures. At 59 years old, after a long illness, Roberto Buffagni passed away, an entrepreneur who helped change the face of entertainment on the Romagna Riviera by transforming some of Italy’s most famous clubs into landmarks of the international nightlife.
His name has remained especially linked to Peter Pan and Villa delle Rose di Riccione, two nightclubs that, thanks to the work carried out together with his brother Massimo and partners, became symbols of an era and destinations capable of attracting thousands of young people and tourists from all over Europe. Over the years, Buffagni was able to combine entertainment, innovation, and attention to new trends, helping to make the Riviera one of the European capitals of entertainment.
Condolences from the Municipality
Upon hearing the news of his passing, numerous messages of condolence arrived from institutions. The Municipality of Riccione remembered Buffagni as “a point of reference in the evolution and modernization of dance venues“, emphasizing how he left “an indelible mark in the history of entertainment on the Riviera” and was “a protagonist of the tourist offer and nightlife“.
The municipal administration also highlighted the strong bond with the city, built through the revival of historic venues such as Peter Pan and Villa delle Rose: “With great professionalism, intuition, and international vision, he was able to transform dance venues into true cultural icons, capable of attracting generations of tourists and making a fundamental contribution to the city’s image of excellence on a national and European level,” reads the note released by the Municipality, which concludes by emphasizing how his passing leaves “an important void also in the Riccione community”.
De Pascale-Frisoni: “A deep void in Riviera tourism”
The Emilia-Romagna Region also wanted to remember the entrepreneur’s figure, through the president of the Region, Michele de Pascale, and the regional Tourism Councillor, Roberta Frisoni: “The passing of Roberto Buffagni leaves a deep void in the entire tourism sector of the Riviera and, in particular, the city of Riccione – reads a statement – Together with his brother Massimo and his partners, he was for decades a point of reference for the evolution and modernization of the nightlife entertainment world.”
And again: “With professionalism, entrepreneurial intelligence, and a strong international vision, he was able to transform historic venues like Peter Pan and Villa delle Rose into true icons of style and culture, capable of attracting generations of young people, along with many tourists from all over Italy and Europe. Also on behalf of the Council, our deepest condolences go to his family, the Riccione community, and all those who had the chance to know him and share his passion and achievements.”
Read more “Not turning away is a powerful gesture that makes us human.” The award to nurse Serena who has s
