Parma: Three Festivals You Should Not Miss

Parma is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Italy, located in the Emilia-Romagna region — an area famous for culinary excellence, historic cities, and vibrant cultural life. Nearby destinations include Bologna, Ferrara, Piacenza and Rimini, making Parma an ideal base for exploring the Food Valley of Italy.

The city is rich in architectural and artistic landmarks such as the Parma Cathedral, Teatro Regio, and the stunning Teatro Farnese. However, it is gastronomy that has truly placed Parma on the world map. From legendary cured ham and Parmigiano Reggiano to internationally renowned food fairs and opera festivals, Parma offers year-round experiences for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Planning your visit? Start here: Things to Do in Parma.

Festival del Prosciutto di Parma (Parma Ham Festival)

Parma is the birthplace of Prosciutto di Parma, one of Italy’s most celebrated cured hams. Made exclusively from carefully selected pork legs and aged naturally for at least 12 months — often longer — the production process follows strict PDO regulations.

Every year in mid-September, the Parma Ham Festival opens the doors of ham producers in Langhirano and the surrounding hills, allowing visitors to see how producers traditionally salt and cure Prosciutto di Parma.

During the festival, you can enjoy tastings directly at the factories, in local restaurants, and at food stalls throughout the area. Prosciutto is typically served with grissini or fresh bread, but you’ll also find it paired with pasta dishes, pizza, and gourmet street food. For a quick bite, a classic panino con prosciutto is hard to beat.

One of the highlights is the Parma Ham and Deli Meats Museum, located in the former cattle market. Families will also find live music, children’s activities, guided tastings, and themed menus across the region.

Cibus – International Food Exhibition in Parma

Held every two years in May since 1985, Cibus is Italy’s leading international food exhibition and a major showcase for the Made in Italy agri-food sector.

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The fair attracts tens of thousands of professionals from over 70 countries, including restaurateurs, retailers, distributors, chefs, buyers, and food technologists. Thousands of Italian food products — from artisanal specialties to large-scale industrial innovations — are presented at Fiera di Parma, one of Italy’s most important exhibition centers.

Cibus highlights not only finished products but also food processing technologies and packaging innovations, thanks to Parma’s proximity to the Italian Center for Agri-Food Research. While primarily a trade fair, the event contributes strongly to Parma’s reputation as a global food capital.

Verdi Festival – A Tribute to Giuseppe Verdi

The Verdi Festival celebrates the life and works of Giuseppe Verdi, one of the greatest opera composers of all time. Verdi was born in Roncole di Busseto, a small village in the province of Parma, and his legacy remains deeply rooted in the region.

Each autumn, Teatro Regio hosts an intensive program of performances spanning nearly a month, with daily productions of Verdi masterpieces such as Rigoletto, Otello, La Battaglia di Legnano, and many others. Both internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talents take part in the festival.

The event also includes educational initiatives such as Il Gioco dell’Opera for children, the Premio Zanfi international singing competition, chamber concerts, lectures, and open-air performances under the arcades of the historic Portici del Grano.

Experience Parma Beyond the Festivals

Parma combines world-class gastronomy with elegant architecture, music, and a relaxed Italian lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy boutique hotels, historic walking tours, food tastings, and unforgettable meals featuring Parmigiano Reggiano and local wines.

If you want to dive deeper into the region’s culinary heritage, you may also enjoy guided experiences such as Parmesan cheese factory tours and food tastings in Parma.

For a broader overview of attractions, museums, food experiences, and day trips, explore our complete guide: Things to Do in Parma.