Cioccolandia: The Sweet Festival Returns to Castel San Giovanni

The town of Castel San Giovanni in the Piacenza area is set to host the 21st edition of Cioccolandia, a celebration of all things chocolate. This year marks a special milestone as the event has been officially recognized as a Quality Festival, a title awarded in March 2025. The festival’s unique charm, driven by its commitment to high-quality offerings, has successfully attracted visitors from across Northern Italy, making it a standout example of local promotion.

The two-day festival will take place on November 8th and 9th, from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM each day. The official inauguration will take place on Saturday at 2:30 PM, at Piazza XX Settembre, near the new Town Hall. However, festival-goers can begin enjoying the event earlier, as the stands will open at 9:00 AM.

Tourist Attractions and Local Highlights

Cioccolandia provides a wonderful experience for visitors, drawing crowds eager to sample local delights and artisanal creations. The heart of the event will be Piazza XX Settembre, where sixteen master chocolatiers from all over Italy will showcase their skills. The festival emphasizes artisanal craftsmanship, with each chocolate piece crafted by passionate chocolatiers. These producers treat chocolate not just as a product, but as a form of art, and their works are sure to leave visitors in awe.

In addition to the chocolatiers, Castel San Giovanni will host local merchants, volunteer associations, and the Committee for Life in the Historic Center, all of which support the event every year. These collaborations demonstrate that Cioccolandia is truly a community-driven initiative, deeply rooted in the town’s spirit. Visitors will enjoy the sweet scent of chocolate wafting through the streets, as various stalls, local businesses, and volunteer groups line the main areas, including Piazza XX Settembre, Corso Matteotti, Via Verdi, and Via Mazzini.

A Sweet Experience for All Ages

For those with a sweet tooth, the festival has a wide array of treats. On Saturday, visitors can enjoy the famous Torta Rita in Piazza XX Settembre, and the iconic 24-meter chocolate salami along Via Verdi. Sunday brings even more indulgence, with profiteroles available in Piazza XX Settembre and, of course, more chocolate salami. These delicious specialties will be prepared by volunteers from the Castellana Pro Loco association, with chocolate sourced from Bardini Cioccolaterie, the official partner.

A unique feature of the event is its token-based system. Each token costs €1 and can be used to sample various desserts at the festival. Visitors can purchase tokens at the Pro Loco gazebos, with each color of token corresponding to a specific dessert, allowing for a customized tasting experience.

Entertainment and Family Activities

Cioccolandia is not just for chocolate lovers but also for families and children. In Piazza Cardinal Casaroli, Cioccobimbi returns with a variety of fun activities designed for younger attendees. The event will feature three shifts of creative workshops and games starting at 3:00 PM each day, offering a hands-on, sweet experience for kids.

For those interested in the culinary arts, renowned cooking professor Daniele Persegani will host a live cooking show on both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 2:30 PM. The show will highlight Piacenza’s local specialties, with a twist of creativity. These sessions will be broadcast on giant screens, allowing everyone to enjoy Persegani’s culinary magic, and attendees can sample his creations for free.

A Community Affair with Local Involvement

The event continues to strengthen its ties with the local community. The Castel San Giovanni Primary School will display creative projects by young students, while the Moto Club Val Tidone will offer a thrilling experience for children, allowing them to try out minibikes on a specially designed track. Classic motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy the “Due Tempi Bei Tempi” exhibition on Via Mazzini, featuring vintage motorcycles.

Fabrizio Sclavi’s continued collaboration with the event will bring artistic flair, with beautiful posters and laminated placemats available for purchase. Proceeds will go to the “Centro Emma Serena,” a local youth center. The community spirit is also seen in the festival’s partnership with the Oratory of San Filippo Neri, which provides refreshments for volunteers working throughout the event.

Cioccolandia: A Key Tourism Attraction

Cioccolandia has evolved into a major tourism event for Castel San Giovanni and the surrounding Piacenza area. It draws visitors from across the region and contributes to the local economy by showcasing the town’s charm and artisanal culture. This year’s event, now officially a Quality Festival, reflects the dedication of the Pro Loco and the collective effort of local organizations. It’s a clear demonstration of how such local festivals can promote tourism and boost the cultural image of a town.

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