Great Festival of the Bitter Tortello

The bitter tortello of Castel Goffredo

The Great Festival of the Bitter Tortello celebrates the signature dish of Castel Goffredo, a municipality in the Province of Mantua. The bitter tortello is a De.Co. (Denominazione Comunale) product with a very particular taste, where the bitter note of the filling tells of an ancient and typically local recipe. The festival, organised by the Pro Loco of Castel Goffredo, is the moment when this specialty becomes the absolute protagonist.

The festival menu

For four evenings, Parco la Fontanella transforms into a large open-air kitchen. The bitter tortello is offered in two versions, alongside traditional dishes such as braised meat and straccone cheese, but also more playful creations born around the signature dish, such as the amarburger and the 'Amarluccio'. The characteristic dessert is the Torta del Buonumore. To drink, there's the La Castellana craft beer from the agribirrificio il Luppolajo and, as a digestif, the Elisir VerdeAmaro.

Evening shows

After the kitchens open at 7 PM, the evenings continue with shows and entertainment starting at 9:30 PM. The formula is that of the traditional Mantuan festival: good food, local beer, and music, in a convivial atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the province.

A living gastronomic tradition

More than just a festival, the Festival of the Bitter Tortello is how Castel Goffredo preserves and tells its gastronomic identity. Tasting the bitter tortello here, where it was born and where it is recognised as a De.Co. product, means entering the heart of Alto Mantovano cuisine.