The White and the Red
The Festival of the White Bean and the Red Eggplant of Rotonda DOP
About The White and the Red
Two Excellences of the Pollino
Nestled in the Pollino National Park, in the province of Potenza, Rotonda is the homeland of two unparalleled products: the White Bean of Rotonda DOP and the Red Eggplant of Rotonda DOP, the latter a very rare variety resembling a tomato or a small pepper. The festival "Il Bianco e la Rossa", now a classic of the Lucanian gastronomic summer, is dedicated to these two excellences.
Show Cooking, Talks, and Tastings
The event focuses on cuisine and food culture: show cooking with guest chefs, tastings and food and wine stands, but also talks and debates dedicated to promoting the two DOP products, food and wine tourism, and the future of inland areas. Live music and entertainment are also present, transforming the village into a large, widespread celebration on August evenings.
A Territorial Project
"Il Bianco e la Rossa" is organized by the two Protection Consortia of the White Bean and the Red Eggplant of Rotonda DOP, together with the Municipality of Rotonda, the Region of Basilicata, and the Ministry of Agriculture. It is not just a festival, but a true project to promote a territory and its producers, capable of bringing the products of the Pollino to national stages such as major industry fairs.
Flavors and Nature of the Pollino
Participating in "Il Bianco e la Rossa" means discovering Rotonda, the gateway to the Pollino Park, and a mountain cuisine made of legumes, vegetables, cheeses, fresh pasta, and cured meats. A perfect experience for those who love slow tourism, nature, and the authentic flavors of Basilicata.
The White and the Red — edition 2026
The 2026 Edition
For 2026, "Il Bianco e la Rossa" returns to Rotonda for its sixteenth edition, expected in late August as is tradition (in 2025 it took place from August 29th to 31st). The event's continuity is confirmed by the Consortia's activities, including participation in the TuttoFood Milan fair in May 2026 with the Rotonda DOP products. The program, as always, includes show cooking, tastings, talks, and music dedicated to the White Bean and the Red Eggplant of Rotonda DOP.
The precise dates and program for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced.
Programme The White and the Red 2026
2026 Program (to be updated)
Based on previous editions, the festival offers over several days:
- Talks and debates on the promotion of the two DOP products and food and wine tourism;
- Show cooking with guest chefs;
- Tastings and food and wine stands dedicated to the White Bean and the Red Eggplant of Rotonda DOP;
- Live music and entertainment in the evenings.
The detailed program with dates and guests will be announced in the coming weeks on the Consortia's and Municipality's channels.
Highlights The White and the Red 2026
Prices The White and the Red 2026
Practical information — The White and the Red
How to get there: Rotonda can be reached by car from the A2 (Lauria Nord or Mormanno exit) and from the Pollino roads; the village is the Lucanian gateway to the Pollino National Park.
Tickets: entrance to the festival is generally free; tastings at the stands are paid.
Tip: combine the visit with the discovery of the Pollino Park and its trails; August evenings can be cool, so it's best to bring something to cover up with.
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