Mushroom Hunter Championship

A One-of-a-Kind Mushroom Competition

The Mushroom Hunter Championship is one of the most curious and anticipated events of spring in the upper Val Ceno, in the municipality of Varsi, Parma province. The event takes place in the small hamlet of RoccaNuova, gathered around its Sanctuary, and transforms the Apennine woods into a large playground for mushroom enthusiasts of all ages.

The idea behind the event is as simple as it is ingenious: no real mushrooms to pick, but hundreds of fake mushrooms made of synthetic material, carefully reproduced and hidden by the organizers in a delimited wooded area. Competitors, basket or backpack in hand, venture into the undergrowth to find as many as possible, in a challenge that combines a keen eye, knowledge of the environment, and lots of fun.

How the Competition Works

The competition is individual and follows a predominantly flat route, designed to be accessible to everyone. Awards are divided into several categories, so everyone can compete on equal terms:

• those who collect the largest number of mushrooms;
• those who find the most characteristic mushroom and the largest one;
• separate rankings for male, female, and children categories.

Winners receive special trophies, in a village festival atmosphere that rewards both skill and the spirit of participation. At the end of the competition, there is a good catering and bar service, an opportunity to taste the flavors of the Apennine tradition and share the day's results with friends.

An Event with a Charitable Heart

In addition to the jovial aspect, the Mushroom Hunter Championship has a strong charitable soul. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Varsi and organized by the Parish Committee of Roccanuova: the proceeds from registrations and catering are allocated to the maintenance of the hamlet's Sanctuary, the true hub of local community life.

Between Nature and Tradition in Emilia-Romagna

Now in its tenth edition, the Championship has carved out a permanent place in the Val Ceno event calendar, attracting participants from neighboring towns and the entire Parma Apennines. It is a perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of more rural Emilia-Romagna, made of woods, stone villages, and traditions linked to the ancient relationship between these communities and the fruits of the undergrowth. An original and lighthearted way to experience the Parma mountains, far from the most crowded destinations.