Passionate about the Italian prosciutto crudo?
There is something to be said about tradition. Soaking up and learning a culture that has been around for decades and centuries transports you to an earlier time and gives you appreciation for the evolution of that culture. And, what better way to learn a culture than through the strong root of their food? Food festivals are the best way to do this, and it’s not a coincidence that Italy has some of the best food festivals in the world. If you are in town from September 5-20 you have the lucky opportunity to see such a festival- the Festival Prosciutto di Parma 2015. Let’s dive in to the world of Italian food festivals and get your tummy’s growling.
WHAT
So what is prosciutto? It is ham that is dry-cured, typically thinly sliced, and raw. You can’t go to an Italian restaurant or market and not see this staple available, so it is a must-try on your vacation. The Festival Prosciutto di Parma 2015 has been a tradition for 18 years. It is a grand party with presentations, tours, events and entertainment, and above all, tastings to celebrate the flavor and creation of the notable Italian ham. The festival was started with the idea to bring enthusiasts and professionals together to inform but also chow down on fresh local food and wine. Each day has different events available, so you can check the schedule here to see which ones you can’t pass up.
Awaken Your Taste Buds:
The true masterminds of prosciutto and agriculture have prepared an unbeatable party for your taste buds. You will be able to participate in events like a sensory analysis, cooking lessons for quick recipes, bicycle trips with prosciutto breaks, meet and greets with industry professionals, and something I am really excited to try- the “Festival Talks.” Every afternoon from 4:30-5:15 at the InfoFestivalPoint there is an untraditional happy hour set up with strategically paired wine, conversation, book presentations, and meetings on food. All aboard to Parma, am I right?
WHERE
Parma is a beautifully charming city in the Emilia-Romagna region. As you can expect, they are famous for prosciutto and cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano, anyone?) but also distinguished architecture, music culture, and breathtaking scenery. You can also find one of the oldest universities in the world, University of Parma, so you will have endless adventures during your visit to the festival.
Getting to the festival is just a hop and skip from any of the major cities in Italy, and there is ample transportation once you arrive in the city of Parma.
GO!
From ROME
By train
Roma Termini – Parma, at least one train/hour
Travel Duration: 3 1/2 – 5 hours depending on speed of train
Ticket Prize: starts from 45 euros with Trenitalia
From FLORENCE
By train
Firenze S. M. Novella – Parma, at least one train/hour
Travel Duration: 2 hours
Ticket Prize: starts from 20 euros with Trenitalia
From MILAN
By train
Milano Centrale – Parma, at least one train/hour
Travel Duration: 1 ½ hours
Ticket Prize: starts from 10.90 euros with Trenitalia
Where do I go?
Once you arrive in Parma you have different options. The main entrance of the festival is located right in Parma:
Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma – Largo Piero Calamandrei, 1/a
It is a 20-minute walk from the train station or you can take a bus/taxi. Buses 11, 21, and 8 will all take you to the entrance.
The beauty of this festival is that they open the doors (finestre aperte) to various prosciutto production sites for tours and presentations. Most of these are outside Parma, so with the convenience of free shuttle bus services you are able to see more of Italy and take advantage of the festival opportunities.
Shuttle buses from Parma depart from and return to Viale Toschi (near the Pilotta Palace). 10 minutes walk from the train station. tel. +39 0521 218889 – 218855
Shuttle buses from the Parma Exhibition and Trade Fair depart from and return to the Fair’s main entrance. 20 minutes walk from the train station. tel. +39 0521 996653
**the shuttles are free but booking is highly recommend. Head over to the InfoFestivalPoint and you will be able to arrange your day(s).
Here is a schedule for the shuttle buses to get you ready.
#ItalyOurWay
If traveling by an air-conditioned private car with a knowledgeable driver sounds like your type of vacation, check our Italy Travel Planning service for more info.
We can’t wait to hear about your adventures in Parma and relive every savory bite of fresh prosciutto with you. It’s an unbeatable experience and we’re excited you are able to take part in such a regarded festival. See you in Parma, friends!
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