San Giovanni Tortelli Festival in Boschetto
The night of San Giovanni on the table with herb tortelli, in the heart of Val Gotra
About Boschetto Tortelli Festival
A festival that smells of tradition
In Boschetto, a small hamlet in the Municipality of Albareto nestled in Val Gotra (Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna), the San Giovanni Tortelli Festival is one of the most cherished events of early summer. Organized by the Boschetto Committee, the festival brings together villagers, summer residents, and visitors from the Taro and Ceno valleys around a dish that is an identity symbol for the entire Parma region: herb tortelli.
Herb tortelli, the heart of the evening
The tordèj d'arbetti, as they are called in dialect, are tortelli filled with chard (or spinach), ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and nutmeg, simply dressed with melted butter and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Their preparation, strictly by hand, is a skill passed down through generations. Parmesan tradition dictates that herb tortelli are best enjoyed on the night of San Giovanni, between June 23rd and 24th, just as summer begins.
The night of San Giovanni and the dew
The festival is rooted in an ancient popular custom: on the night of San Giovanni, people would stay up late, well past midnight, to receive the mysterious San Giovanni dew, considered a beneficial balm and a bringer of good luck. This night is also associated with the gathering of aromatic herbs and unripe walnuts for making nocino (walnut liqueur). The Boschetto tortelli festival renews this convivial rite, transforming it into a village evening of shared tables, conversation, and good food.
Boschetto and its territory
Boschetto is also famous for its Sanctuary of the Madonna del Boschetto, an octagonal building preceded by a portico, dating back to 1683 and linked to the legend of the Virgin Mary's apparition to the young shepherdess Angela Broglia. Albareto, along the renowned Strada del Fungo Porcino di Borgotaro IGP (Porcini Mushroom Road), is a destination loved by those seeking nature, hiking trails, and authentic flavors of the Parma Apennines.
An occasion for community
More than just a gastronomic event, the San Giovanni Tortelli Festival is a gathering moment for the entire community of Boschetto and the surrounding hamlets. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the hospitality of the Parma mountains and to taste a dish that tells centuries of peasant history.
Boschetto Tortelli Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The San Giovanni Tortelli Festival in Boschetto, a hamlet of Albareto (PR), is confirmed for Friday, June 19, 2026, organized by the Boschetto Committee. As every year, the evening revolves around herb tortelli served to the community, in the convivial spirit of the Val Gotra village festival.
The detailed program (kitchen opening hours, complete menu, any music and entertainment) has not yet been published and will be announced by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event. It is advisable to check for updated information on the Boschetto Committee's channels and on the tourist calendars for Val Taro and Val Ceno.
Programme Boschetto Tortelli Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published. The evening will be dedicated to the traditional tortelli feast with herb tortelli handmade by the Boschetto Committee, following the custom of San Giovanni night. Times, the complete menu, and any entertainment will be announced by the organizers closer to the event.
Highlights Boschetto Tortelli Festival 2026
- Handmade herb tortelli (tordèj d'arbetti) according to Parmesan tradition
- The festival in the charming setting of Val Gotra, in the Parma Apennines
- The convivial atmosphere of the village festival on San Giovanni night
Practical information — Boschetto Tortelli Festival
How to get there
Boschetto is a hamlet of the Municipality of Albareto (PR), in Val Gotra. By car, it can be reached from the A15 Parma-La Spezia motorway (Borgo Val di Taro exit), then continuing towards Albareto and Val Gotra. The nearest train station is Borgo Val di Taro, on the Parma-La Spezia line.
When
The festival is held in June, on the occasion of the San Giovanni celebration. It is advisable to check times and details with the Boschetto Committee or the tourist channels of Val Taro before departing.
Tips
As this is a mountain festival, it is advisable to bring clothing suitable for the cool Apennine evenings. Albareto and the nearby villages offer agriturismo and accommodation facilities for those wishing to stay overnight and explore the trails of the Mushroom Road.
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Where does it take place — Boschetto Tortelli Festival
Boschetto di Albareto