Artisan Chocolate Festival

A square scented with cocoa

In the heart of Rieti, the capital of the province of the same name in Lazio, the Artisan Chocolate Festival transforms Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II every late September into an open-air showcase of the finest Italian confectionery. Traditional wooden stalls belonging to master chocolatiers line the square, just steps from the Town Hall and the historic center, creating a tasting trail that lasts from morning until late evening.

A stop on the national tour

The Rieti event is not an isolated festival: it is part of the national Chocolate Festival circuit, which visits dozens of Italian cities each season. Rieti holds a special place in this calendar, as for several years it has hosted the event that kicks off the tour: in 2025, the festival inaugurated the 2025-2026 Tour with its eleventh consecutive edition, held under the patronage of the Municipality of Rieti.

What to taste

The common thread is artisan chocolate, crafted using traditional techniques without additives or preservatives to preserve the cocoa's aroma and properties. Recent editions have featured chocolatiers from numerous Italian regions, each showcasing their local specialties.

• Pralines and filled chocolates, from classics to more sophisticated versions
• Gianduiotti and cremini in the Piedmontese tradition
• Spiced bars (chili, cinnamon, ginger) and floral-infused chocolate
• Chocolate with dried fruit: hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios
• Spreadable creams, dragées, and chocolate-covered candied fruit

More than just stalls

Over the years, the program has been enriched with spectacular and educational moments. Among the most popular attractions is live chocolate sculpting: in the 2024 edition, master sculptor Stefano Comelli created a work in the square inspired by the Roman Bridge of Rieti, which was later auctioned off for charity. In the 2025 edition, entertainment was provided by the group La Tua Mascotte, featuring mascots, face painting, and creative activities for children.

There are also educational workshops aimed at primary and secondary school students: an opportunity to teach children about the cocoa supply chain, the difference between industrial and artisan products, and the value of conscious consumption.

Rieti, the center of Italy

The event is also a great excuse to explore the city. Rieti defines itself as Umbilicus Italiae, the geographical center of the peninsula, and preserves a compact historic center that is pleasant to explore on foot: the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Episcopal Palace with its arches, the medieval walls, and the Roman underground are all within walking distance of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Surrounding the city is the Rieti Holy Valley, home to the four Franciscan sanctuaries of Greccio, Fonte Colombo, La Foresta, and Poggio Bustone.

A family-friendly event

Admission to the festival area is free: you only pay for what you buy or taste. This, combined with the continuous opening hours and the presence of activities for children, makes the event particularly suitable for a family outing or a Sunday stroll in the Sabina capital. The formula repeated year after year—central square, late September weekend, selected producers—has turned it into a small local tradition.