Imola to host 2026 Baccanale festival and celebrate Slow Food anniversary

The city of Imola will host the 2026 edition of the Baccanale, a 23-day gastronomic festival running from October 24 to November 15. Titled ‘Incontri. La cucina italiana senza confini’, the event will explore the global influences on Italian cuisine, inspired by the recognition of Italian cooking as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

The festival program includes culinary demonstrations, markets, and lectures, beginning with an inauguration at the Teatro Ebe Stignani. During the opening, Slow Food Italia will be awarded the Garganello d’oro.

The event coincides with the 40th anniversary of Slow Food. The movement, which focuses on biodiversity, sustainability, and food waste, has deep roots in Imola, dating back to the 1985 founding of the ‘Il Terzo cerchio’ circle. Celebrations will include historical reflections on the movement’s impact on food justice and local traditions.