Every year at the end of May, the small village of Polesine Zibello in the province of Parma comes alive with one of the most authentic celebrations of Italian gastronomy: the Festa del Culatello. Running from 29 May to 2 June 2026, this festival pays tribute to the “King of cured meats” — the legendary Culatello di Zibello DOP, one of Italy’s most precious and refined food products.
Culatello is deeply rooted in the culture of the lower Parma area, along the banks of the River Po. Its unique flavour is the result of a very specific microclimate made of humid winters, foggy landscapes and slow curing traditions that have been preserved for centuries. This is not just a product, but a symbol of rural heritage and craftsmanship that defines the identity of the region.
During the festival, visitors can experience the true essence of Emilia-Romagna through tastings, local markets, traditional music and open-air dining in the historic squares of Zibello. It is an immersive celebration where food, culture and community meet in a truly authentic atmosphere.
Discovering the Food Valley beyond Culatello
The Festa del Culatello is often the starting point for a deeper journey into the Emilia-Romagna Food Valley, one of the most important gastronomic regions in the world.
Just a short distance away, visitors can explore the production sites of other global icons:
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese dairies, where the famous “King of Cheeses” is still produced using traditional methods
- Traditional balsamic vinegar producers in Modena, aging in wooden barrels for decades
- Prosciutto di Parma ham factories, another symbol of Italian excellence
- Local wineries, offering tastings of Lambrusco and Pignoletto among the rolling hills of Parma and Bologna
Parma: The Capital of Taste
At the heart of this territory lies the elegant city of Parma, a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy. Here, visitors can combine art, culture and food in a unique experience, walking through historic streets, visiting museums, and enjoying world-famous cuisine.
The elegant city of Parma is a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy and a cultural gem that perfectly complements any food itinerary. Beyond its world-famous culinary reputation, Parma also offers a remarkable artistic and architectural heritage that reflects centuries of history, beauty, and refinement.
The Parma Cathedral (Duomo di Parma) is a Romanesque masterpiece, renowned for its extraordinary frescoes by Correggio, including the breathtaking dome of the Assumption of the Virgin, one of the most impressive illusionistic works of the Renaissance. Just nearby stands the Baptistery of Parma, an iconic pink marble octagonal building considered one of the most important medieval monuments in Italy, where architecture and sculpture come together in perfect harmony.
The city’s cultural heart continues at the Teatro Regio, one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses and a symbol of Parma’s deep connection with the legacy of Giuseppe Verdi and the world of classical music. Not far away, the Palazzo della Pilotta forms a vast monumental complex that houses important museums and galleries, as well as the extraordinary Teatro Farnese, a rare and fully wooden Baroque theatre that leaves visitors speechless for its scale and craftsmanship.
A Complete Culinary Journey
From the intense flavours of Culatello in Zibello to the refined traditions of Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar and cured meats, a journey through Emilia-Romagna is much more than a food tour — it is an immersion into centuries of passion, craftsmanship and Italian lifestyle.
For travellers seeking authenticity, the Food Valley offers one of the most memorable gastronomic experiences in the world, where every product tells a story and every stop becomes a discovery.
