November Porc 2026: Full Programme and Dates from 6 to 29 November in the Parma Lowlands

Dates: 6–29 November 2026 Locations: Sissa, Polesine Parmense, Zibello and Roccabianca – Province of Parma, Italy Edition: 24th Organised by: Strada del Culatello Association

Short Introduction

From 6 to 29 November 2026, November Porc returns to the Parma Lowlands, bringing four weekends of traditional food, local specialities and entertainment. The travelling food festival takes place in Sissa, Polesine Parmense, Zibello and Roccabianca, featuring food markets, tastings, live music, street performances and the preparation of giant traditional cured meats, which are shared with visitors free of charge.

November Porc 2026: Four Weekends Celebrating the Flavours of Parma

November Porc is one of the most distinctive food festivals in the Province of Parma, celebrating the culinary heritage and rural traditions of the Po Valley.

The event showcases some of the region's most famous products, including Culatello di Zibello PDO, Spalla Cotta di San Secondo, Spalla Cruda di Palasone and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, accompanied by local wines such as Fortana del Taro.

Each participating village offers its own programme of food markets, traditional cooking, cultural activities and entertainment, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the authentic flavours and atmosphere of the Parma countryside.

November Porc 2026 – Dates and Locations

First Weekend: Sissa – 6, 7 and 8 November 2026

The Flavours of Pork – I Sapori del Maiale

Sissa opens November Porc 2026 with three days dedicated to traditional pork specialities, local cuisine and entertainment. The highlight of the weekend is the preparation and free distribution of the giant Mariolone, a traditional pork speciality.

Friday, 6 November

• 7:00 pm: Food stands open in Piazza Roma and Parco della Montagnola.

• 9:00 pm: Musical entertainment, programme to be announced.

Saturday, 7 November

• 9:00 am: Opening of the local food and craft markets.

• 12:00 pm: Lunch served in the covered food areas in Piazza Roma, Parco delle Rimembranze and Parco della Montagnola.

• 3:00 pm: Official opening ceremony of the 24th November Porc Festival, featuring a travelling band and the Golden Majorettes.

• 7:30 pm: Food stands reopen for dinner.

• 8:30 pm: Evening entertainment at Parco della Montagnola, programme to be announced.

Sunday, 8 November

• 9:00 am: Opening of the markets and live demonstrations of traditional pork processing and cured meat preparation.

• 10:30 am: "Mani in Pasta", a hands-on cooking activity for children.

• 11:30 am: Street performances by November Circus.

• 12:00 pm: Lunch at the festival food stands.

• 3:30 pm: The giant Mariolone is lifted from its cooking pot and offered free of charge to visitors.

Second Weekend: Polesine Parmense – 13, 14 and 15 November 2026

Cooking Preti e Vescovi – Ti Cuociamo Preti e Vescovi

The second weekend takes place along the banks of the River Po, offering visitors a combination of traditional food, markets and entertainment.

The main attraction is the giant Pretone, a traditional pork speciality slowly cooked overnight in a large wood-fired pot.

Friday, 13 November

- 7:30 pm: Opening of the PalaPorc food pavilion, with dinner and DJ entertainment.

Saturday, 14 November

• 9:00 am: Opening of the local food and craft markets.

• 12:00 pm: Lunch at PalaPorc, in the festival area beside the River Po.

• 3:00 pm: Official opening ceremony of the second festival weekend.

• 4:00 pm: The giant Pretone is lowered into a large wood-fired cooking pot, where it will remain throughout the night.

• 7:30 pm: Dinner featuring traditional dishes, McPorc sandwiches and entertainment with Radio Bruno.

• 10:30 pm: Music and dancing at PalaPorc with Radio Bruno.

Sunday, 15 November

• 9:00 am: Opening of the food and craft markets.

• 12:00 pm: Traditional lunch at PalaPorc.

• 3:30 pm: The giant Pretone is removed from the cooking pot in a ceremony inspired by the traditions of the Po River boatmen, known locally as Barbùter. The speciality is then distributed free of charge to visitors.

Third Weekend: Zibello – 20, 21 and 22 November 2026

Delights at the Court of King Culatello – Piaceri e Delizie alla Corte di Re Culatello

Zibello, internationally renowned for its Culatello di Zibello PDO, hosts the third weekend of November Porc.

The village comes alive with food markets, tastings, cultural visits and musical entertainment. One of the most anticipated attractions is the preparation of the record-breaking Strolghino, an exceptionally long traditional salami.

Friday, 20 November

• 7:30 pm: Opening of PalaPorc for dinner, featuring traditional local dishes.

• Later in the evening: Disco night with music and dancing.

Saturday, 21 November

• 9:00 am: Opening of the traditional food markets in Piazza Garibaldi and Contrada Pallavicino, together with the craft markets in Piazza Cavour and Via Caduti per la Patria.

• Throughout the day: Free admission to the Museum of Rural Life and the Cinema Museum.

• 11:00 am: Masterclass at Teatro Pallavicino, featuring tastings of traditional cured meats and local wines, including Fortana del Taro IGT. Advance booking required; title and price to be announced.

• 12:00 pm: Lunch at PalaPorc.

• 3:00 pm: Official opening ceremony of the third festival weekend.

• 8:00 pm: Dinner featuring local dishes and McPorc sandwiches. Radio Bruno's participation is subject to confirmation.

• 10:30 pm: Live concert and dancing at PalaPorc.

Sunday, 22 November

• 9:00 am: Farmers' market opens in the Dominican Cloister, Via Giacomo Matteotti 27.

• Throughout the day: Demonstrations of traditional culatello tying techniques and free visits to the Museum of Rural Life and Cinema Museum.

• 12:00 pm: Lunch at PalaPorc.

• Approximately 12:30 pm: Preparation of the record-breaking Strolghino, an exceptionally long salami made by local pork butchers. Once prepared, it will be fried and distributed free of charge.

• 4:00–5:00 pm: Organ concert by Luca Polastri at the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Pieve Ottoville. Free admission; event subject to confirmation.

Fourth Weekend: Roccabianca – 27, 28 and 29 November 2026

Harmonies of Spices and Infusions – Armonie di Spezie e Infusi

Roccabianca hosts the final weekend of November Porc 2026, combining food markets, local traditions, castle visits and live entertainment.

The festival concludes with the spectacular Maxi Cicciolata, a giant traditional pork speciality served with freshly fried polenta.

Friday, 27 November

- 7:30 pm: Opening of PalaPorc with dinner and DJ entertainment.

Saturday, 28 November

• 9:00 am: Opening of the "Harmonies of Spices and Infusions" market in the village centre and the "Aria di Natale" craft market inside Roccabianca Castle.

• 10:00 am: Guided tours of the castle and spirits tasting.

• 12:00 pm: Traditional lunch at PalaPorc.

• 2:30 pm: Start of the Hot Feet Marathon running event along the River Po embankments, organised by UISP Parma.

• 3:00 pm: Official opening ceremony of the fourth festival weekend.

• 7:30 pm: Dinner featuring traditional dishes and McPorc sandwiches, accompanied by live entertainment and Radio Bruno.

Sunday, 29 November

• 9:00 am: Opening of the markets.

• 11:00 am: Masterclass in the foyer of Teatro Arena del Sole, featuring tastings of traditional cured meats and regional wines. Advance booking required; title and price to be announced.

• 12:00 pm: Lunch at PalaPorc.

• 3:00 pm: The spectacular Maxi Cicciolata arrives in Piazza Garibaldi on a decorated wagon pulled by a vintage tractor. The giant pork speciality is sliced and served free of charge with hot fried polenta.

Useful Information for Visitors

Participation fee: €3 per person for each festival weekend.

Food and dining: Traditional dishes from the Parma Lowlands are available at the festival's covered food pavilions. Table reservations for lunch and dinner are not accepted.

Entertainment: International street performers from November Circus will entertain visitors on Saturdays and Sundays.

A Tavola con November Porc: Throughout November, restaurants belonging to the Strada del Culatello network will offer special menus inspired by traditional pork recipes.

Organisers: The festival is organised by the Strada del Culatello Association, with support from the participating municipalities, the Province of Parma and the Emilia-Romagna Region, in collaboration with the Consorzio del Culatello.

Official website: November Porc – Official Programme

Please note: The programme may be updated. Some musical performances, masterclasses and special appearances are still awaiting final confirmation.