Imola to host Baccanale 2026 culinary festival

The Baccanale 2026 festival, themed ‘Encounters: Italian cuisine without borders,’ will be held in Imola from October 24 to November 15. The event aims to explore how Italian culinary traditions have evolved through the exchange of ingredients, people, and customs over time.

During the presentation at the Triennale di Milano, Imola Mayor Marco Panieri highlighted food as a powerful tool for cultural interaction. The festival will feature meetings, dinners, markets, tastings, and workshops involving local restaurateurs, producers, and associations. Food historian Massimo Montanari will serve as the scientific director. The initiative also supports efforts to have Italian cuisine recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.