The chocolate festival in Perugia (Italy) – is the grandest in Europe and one of the world's largest chocolate festivals. It is held annually in October under the name «Eurochocolate» (Eurochocolate) and lasts 10 days.
The Italian city of Perugia, which in recent years has become a kind of «sweet capital of the » world, brings together true chocolate experts and ordinary lovers of this delicacy for several days. Every year the popularity of the festival increases – every year about a million guests and about two hundred Italian and foreign chocolate manufacturers come here.
The location of Eurochocolate was not chosen by chance: Perugia – is the birthplace of Perugina –, the largest chocolate manufacturer in Italy. The famous Baci candies (which translates as «kiss») with happy wishes inside are produced here. And the founder of the festival and its inspirer was Eugenio Guarducci – director of this company. As a teenager, he visited the Oktoberfest festival in Munich and, amazed by the popularity of the beer festival, decided to create something similar in his hometown. This is how the idea of a chocolate festival was born, which was first held in 1993.
Chocolate has been known in Italy for a long time. There is evidence that as early as the 17th century, Tuscany had an adaptation for its production. From there, the chocolate migrated to Rome, where it was immediately liked by the Vatican fathers, who could consume it even during Lent. But for several centuries, this delicacy was available only to the richest: production was complex and – ingredients were very expensive.
It was not until the early 20th century that the dramatic reduction in the price of cocoa and sugar made chocolate available to everyone. Enterprising Italians quickly appreciated the unique taste of the new product and were among the first to establish its industrial production. Then chocolate spread throughout the country – chocolatiers began to open everywhere – Perugia was the first to succeed in this, soon receiving the status of the best producer of all types of chocolate in the country.
Today, during the festival, the city is turning into one huge confectionery shop, and the streets are filled with the tantalizing smell of chocolate. The epicenter of the event is located in the historical part of the city, where bright balloons, clowns, theatrical performances, fireworks and, of course, His Majesty Chocolate are located throughout the holiday! The Eurochocolate programme is packed with cultural, culinary and recreational activities.
In the city, on almost every corner there are trade tents with all kinds of chocolate products, and in local chocolateries visitors are offered various variations of this delicacy: fudges, chocolate paste, bars, hot chocolate with cognac... Here you can also buy all kinds of chocolate: bitter and sweet, dairy and fruit, with nuts, zest, mint and pepper, in tiles and bags, as well as – shoes, candles, watches, bolts, purses, phones, various accessories, figurines and even paintings, and all this is made of chocolate.
Of course, there are also a lot of traditional Italian products: pizza, cheeses, spaghetti, however, they are again made of chocolate. All this can be tasted, so tourists usually leave the festival happy and smeared with chocolate from head to toe. Statues are carved from it, castles are built, and in general they do everything with it these days. The apogee of «chocolate madness» – installation of chocolate sculptures created from huge solid pieces of this delicacy in the main city square. The Peruginians justified the claim that there is never too much chocolate.
Chocolate cosmetics made from cocoa beans stand out: lipstick, perfume, soap, bath foam, shampoos, body balms – and all this is widely popular.
In addition to festive festivities, the festival also organizes dozens of serious events – exhibitions, laboratories, cooking lessons, lectures on chocolate craftsmanship, during which you can learn the secrets of chocolate making and the properties of this most valuable product.
Professionals in the chocolate business these days exchange opinions at seminars, talk about pressing problems and the development of the industry as a whole. Here you can share your own experience, learn something interesting from your colleagues, or conclude lucrative contracts.
But the main thing they teach in Perugia is how to taste chocolate correctly. You need to bite off a piece of tiles, let it melt on your tongue, and then enjoy the aroma and taste. And the main thing is to know when to stop.
Sweets and especially chocolate – is the best remedy for fatigue and stress. The ancient Aztecs knew what they were doing when they called chocolate «food of the gods». Therefore, the Chocolate Festival in Perugia is rightfully considered one of the most delicious in the world and leaves no one indifferent.