Perugia, Italy, transforms into a chocolate lover’s dream every October. This year, Eurochocolate 2021 showcased a unique setup, moving beyond its traditional piazza setting. The event took place at the Umbrifiere exhibition center, offering a dedicated space for everything chocolate.
What else can you remember about a great chocolate, but the explosive, seductive, disruptive desire to taste it again, and again, and again?
Perugia, the Umbrian capital, has hosted this festival for twenty-six years, and even with the venue change, it kept a symbolic presence in Piazza IV Novembre. Entry to Eurochocolate 2021 required a ticket, but many of the scheduled appointments were free with prior reservation.
Eurochocolate Indoor Special Edition
The 2021 edition of Eurochocolate was a significant event for chocolate enthusiasts. Even though the main exhibition was at Umbrifiere, the spirit of Perugia’s chocolate heritage was clearly present.
- Eurochocolate 2021 was held at Umbrifiere exhibition center, retaining a symbolic presence in Perugia’s Piazza IV Novembre.
- The “Choco in Casa” initiative allowed visitors to support the Umbrian chocolate supply chain through online purchases or at the Eurochocolate Store in Piazza IV Novembre.
- The event featured master pastry chefs and chocolatiers like Iginio Massari, Gino Fabbri, and Ernst Knam, alongside food influencers.
Supporting the Chocolate Sector
A notable initiative was “Choco in Casa,” designed to support the local Umbrian chocolate industry. This program aimed to revitalize the sector through engaging contributions. At Piazza IV Novembre, a “Maxi Choco in Casa” structure housed two sections: “Choco in Casa Fun” and “Choco in Casa Umbria.”
“Choco in Casa Fun” featured products from Costruttori di Dolcezze, a local chocolate maker known for combining taste with a playful identity, symbolized by a trowel. “Choco in Casa Umbria” spotlighted products from ten local artisan companies.
Through these initiatives, visitors could support Perugia’s chocolate industry by purchasing products online for home delivery or directly at the Eurochocolate Store in Piazza IV Novembre.
Weekend Events and Special Guests
The festival offered a packed schedule of events and welcomed notable figures from the culinary world.
These weekend attractions provided significant draw for attendees seeking culinary demonstrations and insights.
October 16: Master Pastry Chefs
The event calendar kicked off on Saturday, October 16, with a live demonstration by Iginio Massari and Gino Fabbri. Both are internationally renowned master pastry chefs, guaranteeing an unmissable presentation for anyone interested in Italian patisserie.
October 16: Creative Planting Show
Later on Saturday, October 16, architect and food designer Angela Simonelli presented a live show focused on creative planting. This session blended a passion for cooking with architecture and design, offering a unique visual and culinary experience.
October 23: Ernst Knam’s Exclusive Creation
Chef and Maître Chocolatier Ernst Knam, a beloved German-born television personality in Italy, took the stage on Saturday, October 23. Known as the “king of chocolate,” Knam created an exclusive piece to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the company Icam, for which he serves as a testimonial. Access to witness Knam’s artistry required reservation for the “Big reserved area.”
Ernst Knam’s presence highlights Eurochocolate’s commitment to showcasing top-tier pastry and chocolate artistry.
October 24: Food Influencers in Action
Sunday, October 24, featured a cooking show titled “A good chef is worth his weight in…friendship!” hosted by Federico Fusca, a food influencer, and Simone Finetti, a former contestant on Masterchef Italy. This duo, known to be friends before colleagues, promised an entertaining show filled with humor and culinary insights.
Year Choco Day was established
Choco Day: Safeguarding Quality Chocolate
Eurochocolate also actively promotes the International Day of Quality Chocolate, known as Choco Day. This day, established in 2005 and celebrated on October 12, commemorates the discovery of America and the introduction of cocoa to Europe. The event aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of fine chocolate.
The Choco Day Manifesto
The Choco Day Manifesto encourages widespread participation in safeguarding chocolate quality. Anyone—NGOs, companies, individuals, professionals, institutions, associations, and schools—can sign the manifesto online to pledge their support for quality chocolate.
Signatories are invited to organize events like meetings, tastings, workshops, or other promotional activities. The official Choco Day logo is provided free of charge to help identify these initiatives. The manifesto emphasizes that true quality chocolate extends from fair compensation for cocoa producers and the absence of child labor to the exclusion of GMOs and transparent processing methods from plantation to table.
Visiting Perugia
Beyond the chocolate festival, Perugia itself is a destination worth exploring. The Umbrian capital is rich with art and architectural treasures reflecting its historical significance. Despite its picturesque, small medieval village appearance, Perugia is a lively city, home to one of Italy’s oldest universities.
Key attractions include the charming old town, the central Piazza IV Novembre with its ancient Fontana Maggiore, the impressive aqueduct, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and the remarkable Etruscan Well, a significant hydraulic engineering feat.
| Perugia Attraction | Historical Significance | Visitor Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Fontana Maggiore | 13th-century central fountain | Ornate carvings and central piazza location |
| Cathedral of San Lorenzo | Main religious site | Gothic architecture and religious art |
| Etruscan Well | Ancient water management system | Engineering marvel and historical insight |
| Piazza IV Novembre | Main city square | Hub for events, sights, and local life |
A visit to Perugia offers a blend of cultural exploration and culinary indulgence, making the Eurochocolate festival a perfect complement to the city’s inherent attractions. Ethan loved seeing the old buildings, even if he was more interested in finding a gelato shop.
Book free festival appointments in advance on the official Eurochocolate website, as spots can fill up quickly.
Perugia’s lively atmosphere, combined with its historical depth and the universally loved appeal of chocolate, creates a compelling reason for a visit. The combination ensures that even with a venue change, the heart of the festival remains tied to the city’s unique character and heritage.