Chocolate may not be the kind of food you immediately associate with Bologna, but one of Italy’s largest fairs dedicated to the delicious treat takes place right in the city of tortellini and mortadella: Cioccoshow, now in its 12th edition, begins Wednesday, November 16 and continues until Sunday, November 20.
Cioccoshow celebrates artisanal chocolatiers, who will have their creations on display in the many stands set up in Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Galvani, Piazza Nettuno, and Via dell’Archiginnasio, right in the city center; on Saturday and Sunday, the event will also take over Via Rizzoli, which is closed to vehicular traffic on weekends.
The theme of this year’s edition of Cioccoshow relates to the 12 zodiac signs, with a series of events mixing gastronomy and astrology, such as Ciocconight, which takes place Saturday evening until midnight and promises a ‘magical’ show.
Another highlight not to miss is “La Fabbrica del Cioccolato”, your chance to experience first-hand how artisan chocolate is made, from the cocoa bean to the final product.
Stop by the stand called “Bolognino” on Piazza Nettuno for a taste of the chocolate by the same name, created by master chocolatier Renato Zoia as an homage to Bologna. The recipe blends chocolate with flavors such as star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, in a nod to some of the region’s classic flavors.
If you want to try your hand at making chocolate, there will also be workshops, led by renowned chocolate makers.
One of Bologna’s distinctive features is the presence of several medieval towers (hence the nickname ‘la turrita’), and, during Cioccoshow, you will have the opportunity to climb one of the city’s tallest, Torre Prendiparte, up to its rooftop terrace, where you will be rewarded by a sweet treat and a great view of the city.
And because this is Italy, there will also be wine, of course, with an enoteca set up in Piazza Re Enzo, and the possibility to taste chocolate paired with 15 different wines.
For more information, visit the Cioccoshow website, and follow the event on Facebook and Twitter.
Bologna Uncovered 
Voglia di cioccolato😋!!!!
Dopo aver scritto questo articolo…anche io!!
Sempre vado a Majani quando sto a Bologna. Che buona! Questa festa – uffa! Voglia andarci adesso!
Anche a me piace molto la cioccolata di Majani, specialmente il cioccolatino Fiat! My great-grandma always had one for me when I was a child, it was her favorite cioccolatino 🙂