National Porcino Mushroom Fair of Albareto

The kingdom of the porcino mushroom in the Parma Apennines

Every early October, the village of Albareto, nestled in the forests of the Alta Val Taro at the foot of Mount Gottero, transforms into the capital of the porcino mushroom. The National Porcino Mushroom Fair of Albareto is now considered the most important Italian event dedicated to this precious product of the undergrowth, attracting thousands of visitors, gourmets, mycologists, and hikers from all over the region and beyond to the small municipality in the Province of Parma.

The porcino mushroom, an identity product of the Val Taro

The territory between Albareto and the nearby Borgotaro is famous for its chestnut, beech, and oak woods, the ideal habitat for porcini. The fair was created to promote this excellence of the Emilia Apennines and the entire gastronomic and environmental tradition that revolves around it: from foraging in the woods to cooking, to mycological culture. It is an event that combines sport, nature, and gastronomic tradition, according to the event's own slogan.

Three days of taste, culture, and fun

The heart of the fair consists of numerous food stands and the restaurant pavilion, where porcini are offered in every variation, from first courses to main dishes, paired with local wines. A packed program of events revolves around the food and wine aspect:

• Cooking shows and culinary demonstrations with chefs and hotel institutes;
• Mycology lessons and talks by experts, with the Mushroom Museum and the mycological exhibition set up at Palazzo della Comunalia;
• Food and wine, organic, and craft markets, and a traveling market along the village streets and in Piazza del Comune;
• Guided excursions in the woods and e-bike tours to discover the undergrowth;
• Traditional sporting events such as the championship and forest-themed races;
• Live music, DJ sets, street performances, and entertainment for children with the Kids Area.

An event that unites the territory

The event, organized by the Albareto Porcino Mushroom Fair Association with the support of the Municipality and the Emilia-Romagna Region, is also a moment to promote the entire Alta Val Taro area, with twinning events and collaborations with other Italian food and wine excellences. For visitors, it is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Apennines, with autumn flavors, chestnuts, the scent of the woods, and the warm hospitality of a small mountain village.