Nocinopoli - The City of Nocino

Nocino Takes Center Stage

Every spring, Piazza Matteotti, in the heart of Modena's historic center, transforms into Nocinopoli, a veritable "city within a city" entirely dedicated to nocino, the green walnut liqueur that has accompanied the lives of Modenese and Emilian families for centuries. Founded to promote the heritage of family and artisan productions, the event is organized by the association Il Matraccio - Association of Tasters of Typical Modenese Nocino, in collaboration with Modenamoremio and with the patronage of the Municipality of Modena.

A Family Tradition

Nocino is much more than a liqueur; it is memory, conviviality, and transmitted knowledge. Traditionally, walnuts are still harvested green on the night of San Giovanni, June 24th, and left to macerate for months before becoming the dark, fragrant liqueur that concludes meals on Modenese tables. Nocinopoli tells this very story of connection to the land and seasonality, minimizing the distance between producers and consumers, combating waste, and protecting local biodiversity.

Flavors and Knowledge of Tradition

Throughout the two days of the festival, the square fills with artisan food and wine stalls of Modenese tradition: gnocco fritto, crescentine, borlenghi, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, honey, Parmigiano Reggiano, craft beer, and of course, nocino. At the Il Matraccio stand, you can enjoy free tastings, participate in guided tastings, and receive advice from master tasters to improve your homemade nocino.

The Palio NocinoMio

The heart of the event is the Palio NocinoMio competition, which pits hundreds of nocino samples produced by families and enthusiasts against each other, judged by a commission of tasters. The award ceremony, which concludes Sunday, is the most anticipated moment and celebrates the best nocinos along with typical desserts like bensone and sour cherry tart.

Modena, Capital of Taste

Located in a UNESCO World Heritage city famous worldwide for its gastronomy, Nocinopoli is an unmissable event for those who want to discover the most authentic soul of Modena and Emilia-Romagna. Admission is free, offering two days of tastings, meetings, live music, and tradition in the heart of the province of Modena.