Cioccolandia

Cioccolandia, the sweet heart of Castel San Giovanni

Cioccolandia is the event that every autumn transforms the historic center of Castel San Giovanni, a municipality in the province of Piacenza in Emilia-Romagna, into a grand festival dedicated to chocolate. Born in the early 2000s, the event has become one of the most beloved food and wine events in the Val Tidone, capable of attracting thousands of visitors from all over the Piacenza area and neighboring provinces.

A journey through the town squares

For the entire weekend, stalls fill Piazza XX Settembre, Corso Matteotti, the town's streets, and Piazza Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, in front of the Collegiata. Visitors stroll among exhibitors, admiring pralines, chocolate bars, truffles, strawberries and candied fruit, bonbons, and artistic creations of all kinds. Master chocolatiers work live in front of the public, shaping elaborate sculptures and fountains of melted chocolate.

Flavors of Val Tidone

Alongside chocolate, local specialties take center stage: wines from the hills of Val Tidone and the traditional Batarò, the typical Piacenza focaccia cooked over embers. The festival thus combines the sweetness of artisanal chocolate with the authentic taste of local cuisine, in a journey designed for the whole family.

Activities for children and workshops

Cioccolandia has a strong family focus: the Cioccobimbi workshop engages children who, with aprons and chef hats, can decorate and prepare their own treats under the guidance of volunteers. There are also games, entertainment, and shows that liven up the squares throughout the two days.

A festival of volunteerism

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Castel San Giovanni with the patronage of the Municipality and relies on the work of numerous volunteers. The delicious specialties are distributed in exchange for a small donation, often for charity, confirming the spirit of solidarity and community that has always characterized the event.