Vessalico Garlic Fair

A Fair Almost Three Centuries Old

The Vessalico Garlic Fair is an event with ancient roots: the first documentation dates back to 1760. Since then, every July 2nd, the village of Vessalico, in the province of Imperia, celebrates its symbolic product along the banks of the Arroscia stream. A rare continuity that makes this fair an authentic heritage of Ligurian peasant culture.

Vessalico Garlic, a Slow Food Presidium

Vessalico garlic is a unique product, recognized as a Slow Food Presidium. Cultivated in the Arroscia Valley using traditional methods, it stands out for its intense aroma combined with a delicate taste, excellent digestibility, and long shelf life thanks to the typical "resta" braiding. Its cultivation involves about ten municipalities in the area, guardians of agricultural knowledge passed down through time.

Stalls, Tastings, and Tradition

During the fair, the village comes alive with stalls of typical products and various entertainment. Visitors can buy garlic braids directly from producers and taste them in countless traditional recipes. The program includes events dedicated to promoting the product, such as exhibitions, cooking shows, and tastings, often hosted at Parco Canavai.

Vessalico and the Arroscia Valley

Vessalico is a medieval village with architectural elements dating back to the 14th-15th centuries, nestled in the inland area of Imperia. The Garlic Fair is the time when this small town becomes the capital of Ligurian gastronomy for a day, attracting enthusiasts, curious visitors, and gourmets from all over the region and beyond.