# Italian culinary competitions and traditions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-culinary-competitions-and-traditions > Updated: 2026-09-08T13:06:10.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Various culinary competitions are currently highlighting professional talent and regional traditions in Italy. The sixth edition of ‘ExtraCuoca – Il talento delle donne per l’olio extravergine di oliva’ is accepting applications from professional female chefs. Participants can submit recipes in four categories: appetizers, first courses, second courses, and desserts. Submissions are evaluated by experts based on criteria such as sensory profile, ingredient quality, and originality. The competition features olive oils from the Ercole Olivario National Competition and La Goccia d’Ercole, with finalists participating in a live cooking challenge. Registration remains open until September 30, 2026. Additionally, the 29th edition of the Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo includes the 2026 Conad Italian Cous Cous Championship. Finalists, such as food blogger Barbara Conti, compete for a national title and the opportunity to participate in the World Cous Cous Championship. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: ExtraCuoca 2026 opens registration for professional female chefs Registration is open for the sixth edition of ExtraCuoca 2026, a national competition for professional female chefs focusing on the culinary use of high-quality Italian extra virgin olive oil. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/extracuoca-2026-opens-registration-for-professional-female-chefs ### 2026-09-06: Culinary competitions highlight Italian professional chefs and regional traditions Italian culinary competitions are underway, including the ExtraCuoca contest for female chefs and the Cous Cous Fest championship in San Vito Lo Capo featuring finalist Barbara Conti. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/culinary-competitions-highlight-italian-professional-chefs-and-regional-traditions --- Cite as: Italian culinary competitions and traditions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-culinary-competitions-and-traditions