Imola’s Culinary Celebration: A Toast to Olive Oil

From October 19th to November 10th, 2024, the town of Imola, Italy, will host its annual food and wine festival, a vibrant showcase of regional gastronomy. This year’s event promises an expanded program with over one hundred events and themed menus featured in thirty-eight participating restaurants. The 2024 edition centers around the theme “A Thread of Oil,” exploring the multifaceted role of olive oil (and other oils) in the area’s culinary heritage and cultural identity. Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is more than just a foodstuff; it’s deeply ingrained in the region’s history, landscape, and traditions, symbolizing fertility, resilience, and peace. Its historical significance intertwines with mythology, shaping the cultural narrative of the Mediterranean. Beyond olive oil, the festival will also highlight the growing importance of other seed oils, showcasing advancements in production techniques and nutritional research. Imola’s recent affiliation with the National Association of Olive Oil Cities further strengthens the festival’s focus. This association works to disseminate knowledge about high-quality olive oil, protect the olive-growing environment, and promote the history of olive cultivation. The festival’s opening ceremony, held on October 19th at 5:30 PM in the Ebe Stignani Municipal Theatre, will feature the Mayor of Imola, Marco Panieri, along with other local officials. Professor Massimo Montanari, a renowned expert in food history and culture, will deliver a keynote address titled “Seasoning, Frying, Anointing: The Millennial Epic of Oil—Taste and Beauty,” providing a historical perspective on the festival’s theme. The three-week-long program features numerous events, concentrated on weekends. October 19th begins with Professor Montanari’s lecture. The next day, a conversation between Montanari and Alessandro Barbero on medieval food and society will take place, alongside an art exhibition combining culinary and artistic themes. The second weekend, from October 25th to 27th, will highlight olive oil tourism and olive cultivation, culminating in the 30th annual National Assembly of the Association of Olive Oil Cities. The national “Walk Among the Olive Trees” event will also launch on October 27th. The closing weekend, from November 8th to 10th, will feature a tasting event showcasing local culinary specialties and regional producers. OLIMOLA will present a selection of high-quality oils. The event is organized by the Municipality of Imola with the support of public and private entities and the patronage of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies and the Emilia-Romagna Region. For complete program details and contact information, visit www.baccanaleimola.it. Note that Romagna a Tavola promotes the event but is not the organizer. For any queries, please contact the organizers directly.