From tortelli to gnocchi, four days in Foligno to taste Italy's first courses
Tortelli or spaghetti, polenta or risotto, gnocchi or lasagna: a first course always marks the ritual of the Italian table. And it's not just tradition, because shapes, ingredients, flavors, and presentations have evolved over time and generations, and young chefs rarely resist adding their own twists to their grandmothers' time-honored recipes. It's a national phenomenon, one of the few passions
I Primi d'Italia, 26 years of history and over 100,000 visitors.
Born with the aim of promoting the first course as a symbol of Italy's gastronomic culture, the festival has grown over the years, attracting over 200 companies, 60 chefs, 119,000 organized tastings, and 106,000 visitors in the last edition. It offers a comprehensive tour of each region's most representative pasta shapes and traditions, and dedicates a special award to outstanding professionals who have distinguished themselves throughout the year. "For 26 years, I Primi d'Italia has showcased our country through the extraordinary variety of regional traditions linked to the first course," says Aldo Amoni, president of Epta Confcommercio Umbria and organizer of the event, "bringing together ancient knowledge, producers, and leading exponents of contemporary cuisine. Foligno confirms its position as a meeting point for those who want to savor Italy on a journey through cuisine and the beauty of the region, continuing to convey the value of Italy's gastronomic heritage to new generations."
The Villages of Taste: Tortelli, Truffles, and Regional Specialties
The heart of this 27th edition continues to be the historic taverns of the Quintana districts, which will be transformed into Villages of Taste where you can sample recipes, discover specialties, and meet food leaders, producers, and artisans from across the country. From Mantuan tortelli to Umbrian, Romagna, and Sicilian classics, to seafood and mountain specialties, to truffle-themed first courses and gluten-free and vegan options, a non-stop tour of 11 tasting spaces will unfold across the country. Among the event's permanent spaces are the Pasta Boutique, a permanent showcase for the finest Italian artisanal pastas; the Atelier del Gusto with a selection of certified Italian products; the Villaggio Italia with Italian first courses; and Primi all'epoca di San Francesco (Primi from the Time of Saint Francis).
There are many opportunities to reminisce about medieval cuisine, but also to delve into street food trends and the rise of plant-based cuisine. Food events often help raise awareness among the community and visitors about the connection between food, art, and culture. "Foligno," recalls Michela Giuliani, city councilor, "is the city where the first copy of the Divine Comedy was printed and where Saint Francis began his journey of faith. And beauty is everywhere." "I Primi d'Italia has now become a landmark that places Foligno at the center of the national stage, as evidenced by the tens of thousands of visitors who crowd the streets of our center every year," emphasizes Riccardo Meloni, Deputy Mayor of Foligno. "This edition is also close to selling out; the event also represents an important economic and tourism driver for our city."
Starred chefs and the secrets of grandma's pasta
Among the most anticipated events of each edition is "A Tavola con le Stelle," a format dedicated to the cuisine of Michelin-starred chefs and their ability to reinterpret traditional dishes in new ways. Featured guests include Maurizio Serva of the Michelin-starred La Trota restaurant, Giuseppe Iannotti of the Michelin-starred Kresios restaurant, Mirko Marcelli of the Michelin-starred Osmosi restaurant, and Domenico Candela of the Michelin-starred George restaurant. Tradition takes center stage with "La Pasta della Nonna," a workshop showcasing the secrets of pasta making and some regional pasta shapes, such as pici, tagliatelle, and orecchiette.
From events for young people to meetings dedicated to health
The event also opens up to initiatives that extend beyond the table, such as "Embroidery Recipes," guided tours with FAI, book presentations, and insights. There will also be activities dedicated to engaging with younger generations, such as "Primi d'Italia Junior," and a program of performances and live music. Increasingly focused on major current issues, such as wellness, "Primi in Salute" returns, a series of meetings promoted by AFAM Spa - Foligno Municipal Pharmacies, in collaboration with the Santa Lucia Multispecialty Diagnostic and Surgical Medical Center, featuring doctors and specialists such as Matteo Bassetti. Free skin checks and cardio checks are available upon reservation and subject to availability. Fifteen locations and buildings in the historic center will host 70 different events over the four days.