Saint John's Tortellata in Gotra

A peasant tradition in the heart of Val Gotra

The Saint John's Tortellata in Gotra is one of the many festivals that, around June 24th, liven up the villages of the Parma region with the convivial ritual of herb tortelli. It takes place in Gotra, a small hamlet in the Municipality of Albareto, in the upper Val Taro, on the Apennines of the Province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna. It is organized by the Gotra Committee, which every year attracts residents, holidaymakers, and hikers for an evening dedicated to traditional mountain cuisine.

Herb tortelli, the absolute stars

The symbol of the festival is the herb tortello, the pride of Parmesan tradition: handmade puff pastry filled with ricotta, herbs (sweet chard), and Parmigiano Reggiano, served strictly steaming and dressed with abundant melted butter and grated cheese. It is a simple yet skillful dish, born in the kitchens of the old rezdore (female heads of household) and has become the heart of the dinner on Saint John's Eve.

The magical night of Saint John

The festival is rooted in an ancient tradition that intertwines sacred and pagan elements. The night between June 23rd and 24th, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, coincides with the summer solstice: according to popular belief, it is the night when the Saint John's dew descends, considered beneficial and purifying. Hence the custom of gathering at the table until late at night, amidst tortelli, music, and company, awaiting the shortest night of the year.

A community festival

In Gotra, as in other villages of the Parma Apennines, the tortellata is above all an occasion for community gathering. The dinner is held outdoors or under a tent set up for the occasion, with shared tables, a family atmosphere, and the typical hospitality of mountain villages. It is the ideal event for those who want to discover the authentic Val Taro, far from tourist routes, and taste a traditional dish directly in its land of origin.

Albareto and Val Gotra

Albareto is a mountain municipality in the Province of Parma, known for its woods, IGP porcini mushrooms, and villages scattered along the Gotra and Taro valleys. Reaching Gotra means entering a landscape of chestnut groves and pastures, where village festivals still preserve the slow and genuine rhythm of life of the past.