Bologna's Tortellini Festival Returns on October 4: 21 Recipes at Palazzo Re Enzo

Ten hours non-stop dedicated to a single protagonist: the tortellini. On Sunday, October 4, the feast day of San Petronio, the Tortellini Festival returns to Bologna, reaching its thirteenth edition after a forced break in 2025 (skipped for organizational reasons linked to a pro-pal demonstration the previous day, as recalled by Resto del Carlino).

Hours and Location

The event takes place at Palazzo Re Enzo, in the Salone del Podestà, from 11:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. The event is organized by RistoAssociazione Tourt-len.

The 21 Chefs' Recipes

The public will be able to taste 21 interpretations of tortellini signed by as many chefs from Bologna and the province, with excursions into the Modena area, Imola, and Veneto. Alongside the classic chicken or capon broth version, there is room for creativity: versions with vegetables, friggione, red beet, seafood or mountain flavors, tossed with Lambrusco or filled with beef cheek cooked at low temperature. Three fixed rules apply to all cooks: pasta sheet rolled with a rolling pin, traditional shape, and sustainable ingredients.

More Than Just Tortellini

The festival also includes wine tastings from Colli Bolognesi, desserts from the Bologna Pastry Chefs Association, and a corner dedicated to Montenegro. The Parmigiano Reggiano San Petronio Challenge returns, a competition to award the best dairy of the territory, while this year the Mutua Salsamentari will bring tigella in two versions. A stand will sell tortellini-shaped merchandise: the proceeds, together with part of the event's revenue, will be donated to the Fondazione Hospice Maria Teresa Chiantore Seràgnoli.

Prices

Admission to the Salone del Podestà costs 6 euros and includes a tasting of your choice among tortellini, tigella, dessert, or a glass of wine. A booklet of 25 euros is also available for multiple tastings.

Assessor for Food and Agriculture Daniele Ara emphasized the event's identity value for tourists, while Tourt-len president Carlo Alberto Borsarini called it "a moment in which the city recognizes itself in its own identity." The festival is dedicated to the memory of Giacomo Garavelli, who launched the idea in 2012.