Parma Events and Festivals

(Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

Many Italian cities have a long-standing tradition of staging trade fairs and Parma is no exception. The city's main exhibition centre is the Fiere di Parma and it becomes a hive of activity during the spring and the autumn months. Whilst these events generally attract thousands of professionals, many are also popular with the general public, particularly those exhibiting antiques, artwork and regional cuisine.

Parma also hosts a variety of sporting, musical and traditional festivals and other events, making the city a popular destination all year round, with plenty of things to do and many fun-filled activities to join in with.

Parma Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Emporium - mid-January, held at Fiere di Parma, the main exhibition hall, this trade show signals the opening of the European antiques season

February

• Salone del Mobile di Parma - a furniture exhibition held at Fiere di Parma, which showcases a wide range of furniture, including the classics, as well as latest designs and representing some of the top Italian furniture brands
• Busseto Carnevale - mid-February, a huge festival in celebration of Verdi's music and held a short distance from the city itself

March

• Mercanteinfiera - held in the Fiere di Parma, this international trade fair showcases antiques, and art and design works and attracts thousands of professional antique dealers, collectors and antique enthusiasts
• Arte Parma - mid-March, an exhibition of modern and contemporary artwork by many different local artists

April

• Pasqua - early April, the city's Easter celebrations start in the week before Easter and continue right through until La Pasquetta or Easter Monday. Events include processions and masses. Easter Monday is a national holiday in Parma and throughout Italy

May

• Dolce Italia - aimed at trade visitors and the general public alike, Dolce Italia is an exhibition devoted to the Italian bakery and confectionary industry
• Parma Bagarre - a fair which takes place over three busy days and showcases a wide range of paintings, jewellery, books, furniture, fabric and carpets. There's sure to be something for everyone
• Cibus - the largest trade fair for the international food industry. Includes some of the most popular Italian food found throughout the world

June

• Barilla Sports Festival - this popular festival is held in Parma over two days. Events include long-distance cycling, a road race which is held at midnight, plenty of sporting activities and games for kids, and a huge pasta party
• Parma Poesia Festival - held in various venues around the city each June, this festival brings together poetry, literature, cinema and music

July

• Festival di Torrechiara - Torrechiara Castle, a short distance from the city of Parma, is the setting for a Festival which includes performances of classical music, jazz and dance

August

• There are no significant festivals in Parma during the month of August

September

• Festival del Prosciutto - held at various locations in the neighbouring villages, visitors and locals join together in an enthusiastic celebration of the local delicacy, Parma ham
• Palio di Parma - mid-September, a medieval tournament festival which includes races, a procession and flag-waving

October

• Verdi Festival - Parma celebrates one of its most illustrious citizens with a month-long festival of operas and concerts at Teatro Regio and many smaller venues in the city

November

• Gotha - an antiquarian art exhibition with over 80 stands and some significant pieces of art
• Aesthetica - a beauty and well-being exhibition that always attracts popular interest
• Saint Ilario's Day - the city celebrates the festival of its patron saint, St. Hilary with biscuits baked in the shape of the shoe she lost while crossing the river to Parma

December

• Xmas Children - early December, held in the Fiere di Parma exhibition centre, this event is entirely devoted to children. Exhibitors' stands feature everything from toys and clothes to books and food