Every September, the town of Langhirano in the hills south of Parma hosts the Festival del Prosciutto di Parma — the annual celebration of Italy’s most famous cured ham. The festival typically runs over two weekends in early-to-mid September, with the main attraction being Finestre Aperte (Open Doors), when certified prosciutto factories open to visitors for guided tours and tastings.
The festival is free to attend. Langhirano is about 25 minutes south of Parma by car — this is the historic heartland of Prosciutto di Parma production, where the microclimate of the hills provides the specific air circulation needed for the natural ageing process.
Finestre Aperte: visiting the prosciuttifici
Finestre Aperte is the highlight. Participating factories — usually six to eight producers — open their doors for guided tours in small groups of around 15 people. Visitors walk through the salting rooms, drying halls and ageing cellars, guided by staff who explain each stage of production. The smell alone — hundreds of hams ageing in the same room — is something you do not forget.
Tours typically run in the morning (10:00, 11:00, 12:00) and afternoon (15:00, 16:00, 17:00). Booking in advance is required — spots fill up fast, especially on Sundays. Check the official festival website or the Langhirano Valley portal for current booking links and participating producers.
The entry fee for Finestre Aperte is nominal (around €2–3 for adults, free for under-18s). Transport to the factories is not included — you will need a car or an organised tour.
If you would rather visit with transport and a guide arranged for you, our Parma Ham Tour from Bologna includes factory visits in Langhirano with tastings. For those who prefer to go independently outside of festival season, see our guide to Parma ham factories you can visit on your own.
What else happens at the festival
Beyond the factory visits, the festival includes food stalls, cooking demonstrations, artisanal markets and live entertainment in Langhirano’s town centre. The Museo del Prosciutto (Prosciutto Museum) extends its opening hours during the festival, typically 10:00–20:00, with a reduced entry fee of around €3.
The festival coincides with Parma’s broader Settembre Gastronomico — a month-long programme of food events across the city and province. If you are in the area, it is worth combining the ham festival with other food experiences. See our guide to things to do in Parma for ideas beyond the festival.
How to get to Langhirano
By car: Langhirano is 20 km south of Parma, about 25 minutes via the SP665. Parking is available near the town centre during the festival, though it fills up quickly — arrive early.
Want to taste Emilia-Romagna's finest products?
Our half-day food tour from Bologna or Modena visits a Parmigiano dairy, a balsamic acetaia, and a prosciutto producer — transport included.
By bus: TEP bus line 12 runs from Parma station to Langhirano (about 40 minutes). During the festival, additional shuttle services sometimes operate — check the festival website closer to the date.
By train: The nearest station is Parma. From Bologna, Parma is about one hour by regional train. From Milan, about 1 hour 20 minutes by high-speed train.
How Prosciutto di Parma is made
The production process — from salting to the Ducal Crown branding — is covered in detail in our dedicated article on how Parma ham is made. Understanding the process before visiting a factory makes the experience far more rewarding.
Practical information
| When | Two weekends in early-to-mid September (check dates annually) |
| Where | Langhirano, 20 km south of Parma |
| Cost | Festival: free. Finestre Aperte: ~€2–3. Museum: ~€3 |
| Booking | Required for Finestre Aperte — book online in advance |
| Getting there | Car (25 min from Parma), bus line 12, or organised tour |
| Official site | festivaldelprosciuttodiparma.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Festival del Prosciutto free?
The festival itself is free to attend. Finestre Aperte factory tours have a small entry fee of around €2–3 per adult. Children under 18 are usually free. The Prosciutto Museum charges a reduced fee of about €3 during the festival.
Do I need to book Finestre Aperte in advance?
Yes. Tours run in small groups of about 15 people and fill up quickly, especially on Sundays. Booking opens on the festival website or the Langhirano Valley portal a few weeks before the event.
Can I visit a Parma ham factory outside of festival season?
Yes. Several producers in Langhirano accept visitors year-round by appointment. See our guide to Parma ham factories you can visit on your own for a current list.
How do I get from Parma to Langhirano without a car?
TEP bus line 12 runs from Parma station to Langhirano, taking about 40 minutes. During the festival, additional shuttle services sometimes operate. Alternatively, join an organised tour that includes transport.
When is the Festival del Prosciutto held?
The festival takes place every September in Langhirano, typically over two weekends in the first half of the month. Exact dates change each year — check the official website from June onwards for confirmation.
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