Culatello Festival of Zibello
The great festival dedicated to the King of Salumi in the Bassa Parmense
About Culatello Festival
The Festival of the King of Salumi
The Culatello Festival of Zibello is the festival that every year, between the end of May and the first days of June, transforms the village of Polesine Zibello, in the province of Parma, into the capital of Culatello di Zibello DOP, considered by many to be the "King of Salumi". Born in the late eighties, the event is now a historic appointment for the Bassa Parmense and for all of Emilia-Romagna, capable of attracting thousands of visitors from all over Italy.
A unique product of the Bassa
Culatello di Zibello DOP is exclusively produced in a small area of the Po plain, where the fog and humidity of the Bassa create the perfect microclimate for its long aging. The festival pays homage to this excellent cured meat with dedicated tastings, lunches, and dinners, served at large tables set up in the charming Piazza Quattrocentesca and under the marquee of the Palaculatello, next to Piazza Garibaldi.
Not just gastronomy
Alongside the food and wine offerings, the festival program offers a packed schedule of events for all ages: markets of hobbyists and typical products, farmers' market, live culatello processing demonstrations, music with DJ sets, dance orchestras, and concerts, as well as Vespa, motorcycle, and vintage car gatherings and numerous activities for children and families. The evenings come alive with shows, dancing, and aperitif areas that make the event a true village festival.
A local event
The festival is organized by the Pro Loco of Zibello together with the Festa Committee, under the patronage of the Municipality of Polesine Zibello and with the partnership of the Consorzio di Tutela del Culatello di Zibello, which is its main partner. Admission to all areas is free, with the possibility to taste culatello and traditional Parma dishes directly in the village squares.
Culatello Festival — edition 2026
The 39th Edition (2026)
The 39th edition of the Culatello Festival of Zibello was held from May 29 to June 2, 2026, a year made even more significant by the 30th anniversary of the DOP recognition of Culatello di Zibello. The event animated the squares of Polesine Zibello with a rich program of events, confirming the Consorzio di Tutela del Culatello di Zibello as the main partner.
The Program
The festival began on Friday, May 29 at 7 PM with the opening of the Palaculatello marquee, followed in the evening by live music and DJ sets. In the following days, there were lunches and dinners dedicated to Culatello DOP, tastings, aperitifs, and markets for hobbyists and typical products. Live culatello processing demonstrations were held on Sunday, May 31, and Tuesday, June 2, while the traditional Vespa, motorcycle, and Ducati gatherings, wooden games, and activities for the little ones were not missed.
Programme Culatello Festival 2026
- Friday, May 29, 7 PM: Opening of the Palaculatello marquee
- Friday, May 29, evening: Live concert and DJ set
- Sunday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 2: Live culatello processing
- Every day: Tastings, lunches, and dinners dedicated to Culatello DOP, markets, aperitifs, wooden games, and activities for children
- Vespa, motorcycle, and Ducati gatherings, dancing evenings, and live music
Highlights Culatello Festival 2026
- 30th anniversary of the DOP recognition of Culatello di Zibello
- Tastings at the tables in Piazza Quattrocentesca and at Palaculatello
- Live culatello processing demonstrations
- Vespa, motorcycle, and car gatherings, music, and entertainment for families
Prices Culatello Festival 2026
Practical information — Culatello Festival
Where
Polesine Zibello (PR), Emilia-Romagna. Events and tastings in Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Quattrocentesca, and under the Palaculatello marquee.
When
Between the end of May and the first days of June. Evening opening of the marquee, with events spread throughout the central days.
Admission
Free and open admission. Tastings, lunches, and dinners are paid for at the food stands.
How to get there
Polesine Zibello is located in the Bassa Parmense, along the banks of the Po River. Reachable by car from the Via Emilia (SS9) and the A1 motorway, Fidenza exit, continuing towards Busseto and Zibello.
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Where does it take place — Culatello Festival
Piazza Garibaldi e Palaculatello
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 43016 Polesine Zibello