Parma Ham Festival
The great festival of the King of cured meats in its homeland, Langhirano
About Parma Ham Festival
The festival of the King of cured meats in Langhirano
The Parma Ham Festival is the most anticipated event for lovers of Prosciutto Crudo DOP, and it takes place every year at the beginning of September in Langhirano, in the province of Parma. This municipality in Emilia-Romagna, nestled in the Parma Valley and home to the famous Prosciutto di Parma Museum, is the symbolic place where ham has been born, processed, and aged for centuries. During the Festival, the entire town center comes alive with delicatessens, street food areas, themed markets, and shows.
A bit of history
The Festival was born in 1997, just one year after the recognition of the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) for Prosciutto di Parma. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most renowned food and wine festivals in Italy, capable of attracting thousands of visitors, gourmets, and the curious to Langhirano. The 2026 edition will be the twenty-ninth (XXIX) in its history, organized by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma in collaboration with the Pro Loco Langhirano and with the support of the local territory.
Open Doors: inside the ham factories
An essential heart of the Festival is the 'Finestre Aperte' (Open Doors) initiative: during the first two weekends of September, the local ham factories open their doors to the public. By reservation, visitors can discover the entire production process of cured ham from the inside, from salting to the long aging period, and taste the different aging stages directly at the production sites. It is a unique opportunity to understand why the microclimate of the Langhirano hills makes this ham so special.
Tastings, culture, and entertainment
In the historic center, along the promenades in the 'Cittadella del Prosciutto' (Ham Citadel) and in the delicatessens set up in Piazza Garibaldi and the town's streets, you can taste the different aging stages of Prosciutto di Parma DOP paired with Parmigiano Reggiano and wines from the Colli di Parma. The program also includes:
- guided tours of the Prosciutto di Parma Museum;
- show cooking, demonstrations, and tasting sessions;
- concerts, live shows, and cultural events;
- craft markets, street food, and entertainment for families and children.
The Parma Ham Festival is much more than a local festival: it is a journey into the gastronomic identity of Emilia-Romagna and the craftsmanship of an entire community, in one of Italy's most delicious regions.
Parma Ham Festival — edition 2026
The Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma, together with the Pro Loco Langhirano, confirms the XXIX edition of the Parma Ham Festival for 2026, scheduled from September 4th to 6th, 2026 in Langhirano. The 'Finestre Aperte' initiative is also confirmed, with ham factories open to the public by reservation during the first two weekends of September to discover the production process and taste the different aging stages.
As tradition dictates, the town center will host delicatessens, street food areas, themed markets, and tastings at the 'Cittadella del Prosciutto', alongside visits to the Prosciutto di Parma Museum.
Programme Parma Ham Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition is being updated and will be published on the official website in the weeks preceding the event. Based on recent editions, the Festival typically unfolds as follows:
Friday — Opening Evening
- Inaugural ceremony in the historic center with guests and hosts;
- opening of delicatessens and tasting areas.
Saturday and Sunday
- Strolls and tastings in the 'Cittadella del Prosciutto' and at the delicatessens in Piazza Garibaldi;
- Parma Ham Experience: show cooking, demonstrations, and tasting sessions with different aging stages, paired with wines, beers, and local specialties;
- guided tours of the Prosciutto di Parma Museum;
- concerts, live shows, craft markets, and entertainment for children.
Finestre Aperte
During the first two weekends of September, visits to ham factories are by reservation via the dedicated portal.
The names of the guests and the exact times for the 2026 edition will be announced on the official website www.festivaldelprosciuttodiparma.com.
Highlights Parma Ham Festival 2026
- 'Finestre Aperte': visits and tastings inside Langhirano's ham factories;
- tastings of different aging stages of Prosciutto di Parma DOP;
- Parma Ham Experience with show cooking and tasting sessions;
- discounted admission to the Prosciutto di Parma Museum.
Prices Parma Ham Festival 2026
Practical information — Parma Ham Festival
How to get there
Langhirano is located about 20 km south of Parma, along the Parma Valley. By car, you can reach it from the A1 motorway (Parma exit) following signs for Langhirano. By train, the reference station is Parma, well-connected on the Milan-Bologna line, from which you can continue by bus or car to Langhirano.
Tickets and reservations
Participation in the events in the town center is largely free. Admission to the Prosciutto Museum during the Festival is at a reduced rate (around 3.00 euros) with extended hours. Visits to the ham factories for 'Finestre Aperte' and some special tastings (like the aging vertical tasting) require reservation: it is advisable to check in advance on the official website.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the historic center and among the ham factories, and arrive early in the morning on peak days to avoid crowds. Langhirano and the nearby villages (like Torrechiara, with its splendid castle) offer various accommodation options to turn your visit into a weekend of taste and culture.
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Where does it take place — Parma Ham Festival
Centro storico di Langhirano e Cittadella del Prosciutto
Piazza Garibaldi, 43013 Langhirano