Villora at the San Biagio Tortellata

The San Biagio Tortellata in Villora

In the heart of the Ceno Valley, amidst the woods and hills of the Parma Apennines, the tiny hamlet of Villora opens its doors for a day dedicated to conviviality and gastronomic tradition. The San Biagio Tortellata is one of those events that tell the most authentic soul of the small villages of the Municipality of Varsi, in the province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna: a lunch that is not just an occasion to eat well, but above all a moment of meeting for the local community and for those who choose to discover this quiet corner of the hinterland.

A feast linked to the parish

The initiative is organized by the Friends of the Parish of San Biagio Association, with the patronage of the Municipality of Varsi. The link with the small church of San Biagio, which overlooks the hamlet, confirms how deeply rooted this feast is in the religious and social life of the village: the proceeds from the lunch actually support the parish's activities. This is a typical formula for many villages in the Emilian Apennines, where festivals and community lunches become the most heartfelt way to keep tradition alive and to finance the upkeep of places of worship.

The traditional menu

The absolute protagonist is the genuine local cuisine. The lunch includes a complete menu that brings the most representative dishes of the Parmesan tradition to the table:

• Appetizer with local ham and salami;
• "Tortelli d'erbetta", the symbolic first course of Parma cuisine, with a filling of Swiss chard and ricotta;
• Roasted "fiocco" with potatoes;
• Homemade bread;
• Dessert, water, coffee, and limoncello to finish.

Wine is excluded from the lunch price. Everything takes place indoors, to ensure the event can proceed regardless of the weather.

An opportunity to discover the Ceno Valley

Participating in the Tortellata also means treating yourself to a trip into the Parma hinterland, amidst the landscapes of the upper Ceno Valley. Varsi, with its medieval castle and numerous hamlets scattered across the hills, is a destination appreciated by those seeking nature, silence, and good food, far from the most crowded tourist routes. The hamlet of Villora, gathered around its church, perfectly represents the spirit of these places: small, welcoming, and tied to its roots.

Booking is mandatory: given the intimate size of the event, it is advisable to contact the organizers in advance to secure a seat at the table.