World Pasta Day has been celebrated every year since 1998. Pasta is enjoyed in 200 countries around the world, and nearly 9 out of 10 Italians believe that without pasta, Italy would lose an essential part of its culture and culinary identity. More than three out of four Italians (76.2%) also associate pasta with pleasure and positive emotions.
Parma is the host city for the 28th edition of World Pasta Day, an annual celebration held on October 25 to honour one of Italy’s most beloved dishes.
The 2017 edition took place in Brazil, but ever since the event’s inaugural edition in Naples, its mission has been to promote pasta as a delicious, healthy, nutritious, affordable and sustainable food. Pasta is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, which has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
The aim is to raise awareness of pasta’s nutritional value and versatility, celebrating a food that has become a favourite around the world. The initiative brings together 250 participants, including pasta makers, scientific experts, journalists, chefs and representatives of institutions.
Leading experts and opinion leaders will be invited to explore the scientific, economic, technological, cultural and culinary aspects of pasta before an international audience of pasta producers, supply-chain professionals, business representatives, academics, institutional stakeholders and media. The goal is to set the record straight about pasta, tracing its roots and exploring its journey through the past, present and future.