Eurochocolate Festival – Italy 2025

Background & History

The Eurochocolate Festival, held annually in Perugia, Italy, is a world-renowned celebration of chocolate, drawing over 800,000 visitors each year. Established in 1993 by Eugenio Guarducci, the festival has grown into a global event showcasing the rich history and craftsmanship of chocolate making. Originating from the ancient Mesoamerican use of cocoa as currency and food, as documented by the Mayans and Aztecs, chocolate’s journey to Europe via Spanish explorers like Hernán Cortés in the 16th century laid the foundation for its cultural significance.

The 2025 edition, marking its 31st year, will take place from November 14 to 23, 2025, with the theme “Choco Cloud,” inspired by a dreamy chocolate bar soaring into a cloud. This edition renews its collaboration with Master Chocolatier Alice Cianuri and continues to highlight Perugia’s role as a hub for chocolate innovation and tourism.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: The festival features chocolate tastings, live demonstrations by master chocolatiers, and workshops on chocolate-making techniques, showcasing innovations like the “Choco Cloud” concept.
• Special Traditions or Features: A signature event includes the creation of giant chocolate sculptures, such as the 2024 Mouth-themed installations, and a cotton candy station with cocoa powder, led by the legendary Mr. Poldo.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Interactive flash mobs, curated installations like the ATMO set design by Laura Lucarini, and musical performances, such as Ludovico Einaudi’s “Nuvole Bianche,” enhance the festive atmosphere.

Date & Duration

• Dates: November 14–23, 2025 (main event in Perugia)
• Duration: 10 days (main festival), with extended seasonal events

Venue / Location

• Main Venue: Centro Storico, 06100 Perugia, Italy
• Notable Areas: The historic city center hosts chocolate stalls, the former Commodity Exchange (Umbria Chamber of Commerce) for press events, and Piazza IV Novembre for main attractions. Additional venues include Arezzo’s Christmas of the Arts and Castiglione del Lago’s Luci sul Trasimeno.

Contact Information

• Email: info@eurochocolate.com
• Phone: +39 075 5003848
• WhatsApp: +39 353 3056955
• Website: eurochocolate.com
• Registered Office: Via Ruggero D’Andreotto 19/E, 06124 Perugia, Italy
• Operational Headquarters: Via Madonna del Capezzale, 13, 06083 Bastia Umbria (PG), Italy

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available online at eurochocolate.com or at festival booths in Perugia. Seasonal events in Arezzo and Castiglione del Lago may have separate ticketing.
• Admission: Based on official pricing (eurochocolate.com):
  • General Admission: €10 (~$11 USD) per day, granting access to tastings and demonstrations.
  • Family Pass: €25 (~$27.50 USD) for two adults and up to three children under 12, valid for one day.
  • Workshop Pass: €30 (~$33 USD) for hands-on chocolate-making sessions (limited spots, bookable online).
  • Seasonal Event Pass (Arezzo/Castiglione del Lago): €15 (~$16.50 USD) for multi-day access.
• Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP packages (~$50–$70 USD) include exclusive tastings, meet-and-greets with chocolatiers, and priority workshop access, available online.

Submission Information

• Submission Process: Artisans and chocolatiers can submit innovative chocolate products or recipes via eurochocolate.com, with applications typically opening in mid-2025. Submissions should align with the “Choco Cloud” theme, emphasizing creativity and quality.
• Fees: Estimated at €50–100 (~$55–$110 USD) for vendor booths, with details to be confirmed on the website.
• Selection: A panel, including Master Chocolatier Alice Cianuri, selects participants based on originality and craftsmanship, with notifications by September 2025.

Cultural Experience

The Eurochocolate Festival immerses visitors in Italy’s chocolate heritage, tracing its roots from Mesoamerican civilizations to European mastery. The event celebrates Perugia’s culinary tradition, with stalls offering local Umbrian chocolates, truffles, and gianduja. Cultural performances, such as traditional Italian music and dance, complement the food-focused festivities. The festival’s collaboration with artisans like Alice Cianuri highlights modern techniques, while historical exhibits on cocoa’s role as currency and food—spanning Mayan “carga” units to Aztec tributes—educate attendees. Interactive workshops allow participants to craft their own chocolates, blending ancient recipes with contemporary flair.

Food & Drinks

The festival showcases a variety of chocolate-based delights, including:

• Gianduja: A creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread, a Piedmontese specialty.
• Baci Perugina: Iconic Perugia chocolates with hazelnut and dark chocolate.
• Hot Chocolate: Rich, thick Italian-style cocoa, served with whipped cream.
• Torrone: Nougat with almonds or hazelnuts, often chocolate-coated.
• Chocolate Gelato: Creamy gelato infused with dark or milk chocolate. Local Umbrian wines, such as Sagrantino, pair well with these treats, available at festival stalls.

Family & Accessibility

The festival is family-friendly, offering chocolate-making workshops for children and a dedicated kids’ zone with educational games about cocoa history. Accessibility features include:

• Wheelchair-accessible paths throughout Perugia’s historic center.
• Ramps at main venues like Piazza IV Novembre.
• Signage in multiple languages, with assistance available at info points.
• Note: Some cobblestone streets may pose challenges; contact info@eurochocolate.com for specific accommodations.

Getting There

• By Air: Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport (PEG), 12 km from the city, offers flights from European cities. Taxis (~€20–$22 USD) or bus line 7 (€1.50–$1.65 USD) connect to the center.
• Public Transport: Trains from Rome, Florence, or Milan to Perugia Station, then a 10-minute walk or local bus to Centro Storico.
• Walking: The compact historic center is walkable, with key sites within 15 minutes of the station.
• By Car: Free parking at Pian di Massiano, with shuttle buses to the center. Follow festival signs from the E45 highway.

Local Attractions

• Perugia Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece in the historic center, 5 minutes from the festival.
• Rocca Paolina: A 16th-century fortress with underground passages, 10 minutes away.
• Lake Trasimeno: 20 km from Perugia, featuring scenic views and the seasonal Luci sul Trasimeno event.
• Assisi: 25 km away, home to Basilica di San Francesco, a UNESCO site.
• Umbrian Wine Route: Nearby vineyards offer tours and tastings, enhancing the festival experience.

Crowdfunding & Future Projects

• Chocolate City: A planned experiential museum in Perugia, supported by a €6 million grant from Invitalia’s MIMIT Social Economy measure. Crowdfunding details are forthcoming on cittadelcioccolato.it and mamacrowd.com, aiming to create a permanent chocolate heritage site.

Awards & Recognition

• Eurochocolate has been recognized for its innovative themes, with the 2024 “Mouth” edition achieving commercial success. The festival’s collaboration with master chocolatiers often earns accolades in culinary circles.