The weekend of 9 and 10 November 2024 it is rich in festivals and events in Italia. From north to south it is possible to taste traditional specialties, experience local folklore and have fun with family or friends. Large cities and small villages surrounded by nature have planned many outdoor activities to entertain customers with music, history, tastings and craft markets and local products. Below we point out some festivals and events that we advise you not to miss.
San Martino in Bolsena
On November 9th from 3pm Piazza Giacomo MatteottiBolsena, the celebrations for San Martino will begin with a dive into tradition. Crafts, music and food and wine will be the protagonists of one eventful day which will involve the entire local community and any tourists. Piazza Matteotti will be the beating heart of the festival sponsored by the municipal administration with a series of tastings organized by Bolsena 1328, the San Giovanni district committee, flag-wavers & musicians Monaldeschi in Bolsena and La Bolsena futsal 2019 which will allow you to taste many specialties such as chestnutssweets, stuffed focacciasgrilled meat, wine and much more. From 7pm you can then attend one live music by Pietro Paolacciwhile for shopping lovers a craft market not to be missed will be open on 9 and 10 November.
Strade dello Safferano Festival in San Gavino Monreale
November 9th and 10th San Gavino Monreale hosts the second edition of Sardinian PDO Saffron Road Festivalcelebrating the tradition and authentic flavors of the area. Between the sea and the Marmilla hills, in the heart of Campidanoin Sardinia, about 350 kilos of saffron stimates are produced every year for a total of 450 in all of Italy and Sardinia with over 45 hectares cultivatedholds the national record for the production of Crocus Sativus.
San Gavino Monreale, together with Turri and Villanovafranca are the center of this production which represents a unique excellence in the world. “This precious ‘red gold’ must be considered for what it is a jewel that deserves to escape from the local commercial dynamics that limit its diffusion and aim towards international markets, where it can express all its value and bring well-being to the communities where it is produced” he said Riccardo PinnaCouncilor for Culture, Entertainment, Promotion of the City and Tourism of the Municipality of San Gavino Monreale, underlining the intention to build a “storytelling that facilitates marketing”.
Il November 9th it will be possible to do a guided tour of the murals of San Gavinoparticipate in craft workshops in the Always House to make natural soap and discover the uses of saffron in cosmetics, and in the tennis courts of via Dante a tournament called Zafferano Cup. The day will end with a round table with experts and producers who will discuss the cultural, social and economic value of saffron in Sardinia.
Il November 10th instead there will be various saffron celebrations with guided visits to the fields of S’Ibba MannaThe Eastern Garden and a bike excursion with a 30 km route up to Sardara. A large open-air market will be set up from 9 in the morning with many typical products and an exhibition of vintage cars organized by the 500 club of San Gavino Monreale. Various shows, workshops and animations are planned throughout the day
Truffle festival in Sant’Agostino
In Sant’Agostino from 8 to 24 November the truffle which in the municipality of Terre del Reno, in Emilia Romagna is the star of late autumn. Lasagne, flans, crepes, tortellini, flour cooked in a bread crust are just some of the specialties that can be enjoyed during these festive days, every evening from 7.30pm and on Sundays for lunch from 12pm.
Served professionally tartufo bianco “Magnate Pico” accompanies many typical dishes for this event not to be missed. For the occasion, the good food will be accompanied by some events to relive the ancient and profound bond between this precious food and Sant’Agostino. It will be possible to take suggestive walks in the Pamphylia Forest among ash trees, oaks, elms, maples, hazelnuts and poplars, and listen to the red woodpecker and the green woodpecker drumming on the branches.
Panettone World Cup in Milan
From 8 to 10 November 2024 a Palazzo Castiglioni in Milan events, workshops and other initiatives will take place to taste the best panettone in the world. There Panettone World Cup celebrates the ancient tradition of a dessert that preserves the history and culture of a territory, Lombardy.
The Master Giuseppe Piffaretti he is the patron of the event which began in 2019 with the first edition which welcomes the public every year who can taste, participate in workshops and purchase typical products. Entrance is free and involves the involvement of special guests such as Ernst Knam e Iginio Massari.
Winds of Cioccolandia at Castel San Giovanni
Castel San Giovanni is ready to welcome the chocolate festival on 9 and 10 November 2024, an unmissable event for the city in the province of Piacenza. Delicacies, professionals and gourmands are called to gather for two days among mountains of meringues, pyramids of profiteroles and chocolate salami. Many stalls will populate the space, open from 10 am onwards, from Piazza XX SettembreSan Rocco area and Piazza Cardinal Casaroli. The center of Castel San Giovanni will be embellished with banners made by Fabrizio Sclavi and all the information to participate in the event is on the site
Rural village in Abruzzo
In a small town of Treglioin the province of Chieti, Abruzzothe 25th edition of Borgo Rurale will be held, a festival of new wine, new oil and chestnuts scheduled for 9 and 10 November. Thanks to the work of 300 volunteers and housewives from Treglia, this event which animates the town and confirms Abruzzo’s hospitality is possible.
Il new wine and the mulled wine offered by the cellars of the area, visitors will be able to taste typical dishes of the ancient peasant tradition such as yellow pumpkin pastasausages and turnip cracks, the kebabscod and roasted peppers, crepes, fried pizza, cheeses, to name a few. Furthermore, there will be lots of music with live performances and baby parking will be available for the little ones from 5.30pm.
Beer Festival at Grand Tour Italia, Bologna
In Bologna beer becomes the protagonist from 7 to 10 November 2024 for Grand Tour Italia. The Beer Festival allows visitors to taste many Italian craft beers produced from the Aosta Valley to Sicily, accompanied by traditional dishes from each region. An event for lovers of this drink with an ancient history, designed according to three offer formulas for every taste: the street beer it will be served with street food such as kebabs and comfortable dishes to enjoy standing; The Festival menu instead it precedes a four-course lunch or dinner prepared with fresh ingredients; and finally All hops predicts that each Grand Tour Italia restaurant will have a special menu combining local dishes with local beers.
Italian Festivals: A Culinary Adventure Awaits!
Ladies and gentlemen, clear your calendars and grab your comically large forks! The weekend of 9 and 10 November 2024 is shaping up to be a glorious fiesta across the beautiful boot of Italia. We’re talking about a buffet of festivals and events that will indulge your senses, tickle your taste buds, and make you feel like you’re the star of a food-themed reality show, minus the cutthroat drama (we hope).
San Martino in Bolsena
On the 9th of November, get ready to dive into tradition at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti in Bolsena! Picture this: crafts, music, and food that’ll have you questioning the very nature of happiness. Seriously, there’s an eventful day lined up with local delicacies like chestnut sweets, stuffed focaccias, and grilled meat that’ll make your taste buds do the Macarena. From 7 PM, enjoy the soulful strummings of Pietro Paolacci while you shop for artisanal goods that you definitely don’t need but will convince yourself are essential.
Strade dello Safferano Festival in San Gavino Monreale
Now, if you fancy yourself a connoisseur of fine flavors, swing by San Gavino Monreale on the 9th and 10th for the Sardinian PDO Saffron Road Festival. Here, you can bathe in the beauty of saffron, that fancy spice worth more than your last three dinner dates combined. With about 350 kilos produced annually, Sardinia is the saffron capital of Italia — it’s basically the Fort Knox of flavor. Join a guided tour of murals, learn to craft your own natural soap (because who doesn’t want a side hustle?), and even attend a round table with saffron experts! You’ll leave with a head full of knowledge and probably a new appreciation for your next paella.
Truffle Festival in Sant’Agostino
If truffles are more your jam, mark your calendars for the Truffle Festival in Sant’Agostino from 8 to 24 November. Here, you’ll be enveloped in the delightful aroma of truffles while enjoying dishes like lasagne, flans, and tortellini. You might even find yourself daydreaming about marrying a truffle. Seriously, they’re that good. Also, prepare for thoughtful strolls in the Pamphylia Forest. Just watch out for those pesky woodpeckers — they’re not invited to the truffle tasting!
Panettone World Cup in Milan
From 8 to 10 November, the city of Milan will host the Panettone World Cup. Yes, you heard that right! This is where panettone aficionados unite to judge who makes the most divine festive loaf. With master bakers like Giuseppe Piffaretti and guests like Ernst Knam, you know the panettone will be exceptional, so roll in and taste the Christmas spirit! Admission is free, but you might find yourself competing in an unspoken “Who can eat the most panettone without bursting?” contest. Good luck with that!
Winds of Cioccolandia at Castel San Giovanni
If your idea of heaven involves mountains of chocolate, then the Chocolate Festival at Castel San Giovanni on the 9th and 10th is your golden ticket. Picture it: meringues, profiteroles, and chocolate salami, oh my! Vendors will be whipping up sweet delights, and if you can resist eating everything in sight, props to you! Bring the kids because, as every parent knows, sugar means a hyperactive time bomb, and who doesn’t enjoy a lively chaos?
Rural Village in Abruzzo
In Treglio, the 25th edition of Borgo Rurale celebrates new wine and oil, and everything chestnut on the 9th and 10th. With 300 volunteers bringing this village to life, you can taste traditional dishes paired with mulled wine. Just imagine the rustic dish of yellow pumpkin pasta dancing on your palate while the music warms your heart. There’s live music too — because nothing says “party” like some frolicking folk tunes while you enjoy that mulled wine!
Beer Festival at Grand Tour Italia, Bologna
Finally, the Beer Festival in Bologna from 7 to 10 November will have you toasting like an Italian! You’ll get a chance to sample craft beers from the Aosta Valley to Sicily, and let’s be honest, beer and Italian cuisine are a match made in foodie heaven. Whether you’re dropping by for street beer with some kebabs or enjoying a four-course dinner with plenty of hops, make sure it all goes down smoothly. Cheers to that!
So, there you have it! Whether you’re a foodie, a culture buff, or just love an excuse to party, Italia’s late autumn festivals are begging for your attendance. Load up on all the local specialties, engage in fascinating workshops, and, if nothing else, come for the hot wine and never-ending sugar rush. Now, go on, live your best life — preferably with a fork in one hand and a glass of something delicious in the other!
The weekend of 9 and 10 November 2024 promises a vibrant tapestry of festivals and events across Italia. From the scenic peaks of the north to the sun-kissed shores of the south, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of regional traditions while savoring authentic culinary delights. Larger cities and quaint villages, set against breathtaking natural backdrops, have curated a plethora of outdoor activities designed to enthrall audiences of all ages—from invigorating music performances to deep dives into local history, as well as tastings of artisanal products and vibrant craft markets. Below, we highlight some of the unparalleled festivals and events you simply cannot afford to miss.
San Martino in Bolsena
On November 9th from 3pm in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, Bolsena, the festivities for San Martino will usher in a delightful exploration of local customs. This lively celebration will showcase an amalgamation of crafts, music, and exquisite food and wine, creating an eventful day that unites the local populace and visitors alike. The heart of the festival lies in Piazza Matteotti, where the municipal administration has partnered with Bolsena 1328, the San Giovanni district committee, flag-wavers, and musicians from Monaldeschi in Bolsena to orchestrate a series of tastings showcasing scrumptious specialties like chestnut delicacies, stuffed focaccias, grilled meats, fine wine, and much more. As the evening unfolds from 7pm, attendees can enjoy an electrifying live performance by Pietro Paolacci. For those looking to indulge in some shopping, an unmissable craft market will be operating throughout the weekend.
Strade dello Safferano Festival in San Gavino Monreale
On November 9th and 10th, the charming town of San Gavino Monreale will host the second edition of the Sardinian PDO Saffron Road Festival, a joyous celebration of the region’s storied traditions and authentic flavors. Nestled between the glistening sea and the enchanting Marmilla hills, the heart of Campidano in Sardinia is renowned for producing around 350 kilograms of saffron annually—out of a national total of 450 kilograms—making this area a significant contributor with over 45 hectares cultivated that holds the national record for Crocus Sativus production.
San Gavino Monreale, alongside its neighboring towns of Turri and Villanovafranca, shines as a central hub for this exceptional saffron production, an unmatched gem on a global scale. “This precious ‘red gold’ must be considered for what it truly is—a jewel deserving of transcending local commercial boundaries that restrict its reach, and instead aiming for international markets, where it can unveil its true worth and foster well-being in the communities that nurture it,” stated Riccardo Pinna, the Councilor for Culture, Entertainment, Promotion of the City, and Tourism, while emphasizing the collective vision to weave a “storytelling narrative that propels marketability.”
On November 9th, attendees can partake in an engaging guided tour of San Gavino’s murals, join interactive craft sessions at the Always House focused on creating natural soap, and discover the myriad uses of saffron in cosmetics. Additionally, a spirited tournament dubbed the Zafferano Cup will unfold at the tennis courts located on Via Dante. The day will culminate in an enlightening roundtable with experts and producers discussing the cultural, social, and economic significance of saffron across Sardinia.
As for November 10th, a series of saffron-related festivities will unfold, including guided excursions to the fields of S’Ibba Manna and a scenic bike ride along a 30 km route leading to Sardara. An expansive open-air market will spring to life at 9am, showcasing a variety of regional products, complemented by a vintage car exhibition organized by the San Gavino Monreale 500 Club. A host of shows, workshops, and engaging animations will be scheduled throughout the day’s activities.
Truffle festival in Sant’Agostino
In Sant’Agostino, from 8 to 24 November, the enchanting aroma of the truffle will captivate visitors in the municipality of Terre del Reno, located in Emilia Romagna, as it takes center stage during the late autumn festivities. Patrons can indulge in an array of delightful dishes such as lasagne, flans, crepes, tortellini, and even flour baked in a crispy bread crust, all highlight the seasonal bounty presented during these jubilant days. Each evening, the festivities commence at 7:30pm and resume on Sundays for lunch at noon.
During this celebration, the exquisite tartufo bianco “Magnate Pico” will elevate numerous traditional recipes, marking an event not to be missed. The festival is infused with initiatives that pay homage to the historical and cultural bond between this prized delicacy and the town of Sant’Agostino, inviting guests to partake in immersive experiences such as nature walks through the mystical Pamphylia Forest, where visitors can enjoy the rustling sounds of striking woodpeckers amid the diverse forest canopy.
Panettone World Cup in Milan
From 8 to 10 November 2024, Palazzo Castiglioni in Milan will transform into a haven for panettone enthusiasts as it hosts the much-anticipated Panettone World Cup. This prestigious event pays tribute to the time-honored tradition of this iconic dessert, which serves as a culinary monument to Lombardy’s rich cultural heritage.
The celebrated Master Giuseppe Piffaretti plays a pivotal role in this gathering, which first launched in 2019 and has become an annual fixture welcoming the public. Guests will have ample opportunities to both taste exquisite varieties, engage in hands-on workshops, and purchase artisanal products. Entry is free, featuring special appearances from renowned pastry chefs like Ernst Knam and Iginio Massari.
Winds of Cioccolandia at Castel San Giovanni
On 9 and 10 November 2024, Castel San Giovanni is gearing up to host a magnificent chocolate festival, a can’t-miss occasion for the locals and chocolate aficionados in the province of Piacenza. Over the course of two days, chocolate lovers will find themselves surrounded by delectable meringues, towering profiteroles, and rich chocolate salami. A lively assortment of stalls will come alive, welcoming attendees from 10 am onwards from Piazza XX Settembre to the San Rocco area and Piazza Cardinal Casaroli. The city center will be vibrantly adorned with decorative banners crafted by Fabrizio Sclavi, and additional information about the event will be available on their online platform.
Rural village in Abruzzo
In the picturesque town of Treglio within the province of Chieti, Abruzzo will host the 25th edition of Borgo Rurale—a heartfelt festival of new wine, freshly pressed oil, and chestnuts, set for 9 and 10 November. The event is made possible through the dedicated work of 300 volunteers and local housewives, emphasizing the town’s commitment to hospitality.
Alongside samples of new wine and mulled wine sourced from local wineries, attendees can explore a tantalizing selection of traditional dishes steeped in rustic charm such as yellow pumpkin pasta, hearty sausages, and turnip tops, grilled skewers of fish and roasted peppers, plus indulgent crepes and fried pizzas. Additionally, there will be lively music performances throughout the event, and dedicated childcare services will be available for families starting at 5:30pm.
Beer Festival at Grand Tour Italia, Bologna
Bologna’s beer scene will take center stage from 7 to 10 November 2024 during the highly anticipated Grand Tour Italia Beer Festival. This event provides an exciting opportunity for visitors to sample a vast selection of Italian craft beers, showcasing brews from regions as diverse as Aosta Valley all the way to Sicily, accompanied by traditional dishes that represent each area. Designed for enthusiasts of this time-honored beverage, the event features three distinct offerings: street beer served alongside enticing street food like kebabs, a Festival menu featuring a carefully crafted four-course meal utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and All hops, which presents a unique collaboration among Grand Tour Italia restaurants featuring specially curated menus pairing local dishes with regional beers.
