Italy is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and one ingredient that holds a special place in Italian hearts is cheese.

From the creamy mozzarella of Campania to the sharp pecorino of Tuscany, cheese plays a starring role in many traditional Italian dishes. It comes as no surprise, then, that Italy is home to some of the cheesiest festivals in the world.

These annual events celebrate the country’s love affair with cheese, offering visitors a unique opportunity to indulge in cheesy delights and immerse themselves in Italian culture. Here are 10 of the cheesiest festivals in Italy that every cheese enthusiast should add to their bucket list.

1. Cacio e Pepe Festival – Rome

The Cacio e Pepe Festival takes place in Rome, the capital city of Italy, and celebrates one of Rome’s most beloved pasta dishes.

Cacio e Pepe, which translates to “cheese and pepper,” is a simple yet wonderfully flavorful dish made with pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. At the festival, you can sample various interpretations of the dish served by renowned Roman chefs, as well as attend cooking demonstrations and workshops to learn the secrets of making the perfect Cacio e Pepe at home.

2. Mozzarella Festival – Paestum

Pulled fresh from buffalo milk, mozzarella is a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine. The Mozzarella Festival in Paestum, a picturesque town in the Campania region, pays homage to this beloved cheese.

During the festival, visitors can witness the traditional process of mozzarella-making, participate in cheese-tasting sessions, and enjoy a vast array of mozzarella-based dishes. From classic caprese salads to deep-fried mozzarella bites, this festival truly celebrates the versatility and deliciousness of mozzarella.

3. Gorgonzola Festival – Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola, a creamy blue cheese with a distinct tangy flavor, comes from the town of Gorgonzola in Lombardy. Every year, this town hosts the Gorgonzola Festival, dedicated to all things Gorgonzola.

Visitors can explore the history and production of this famous cheese, indulge in mouthwatering Gorgonzola-based recipes, and participate in workshops to learn how to pair Gorgonzola with other ingredients and wines.

4. Pecorino Festival – Pienza

Pecorino is a sheep’s milk cheese that hails from the beautiful town of Pienza in Tuscany. The Pecorino Festival attracts cheese enthusiasts from far and wide who come to taste the various varieties of this beloved cheese.

From young, mild pecorino to aged, sharp pecorino, visitors can enjoy the complex flavors and textures of this Tuscan delicacy. The festival also features cheese-making demonstrations, wine pairings, and other cultural activities.

5. Asiago Festival – Asiago

Asiago is a cheese that originated in the Asiago plateau in the Veneto region. The Asiago Festival celebrates this unique cheese and the traditional methods used in its production.

Visitors can explore the picturesque town of Asiago, sample different varieties of Asiago cheese, and learn about its history. The festival also boasts concerts, parades, and other entertainment, making it a truly immersive cultural experience.

6. Ricotta Festival – Calabria

Ricotta, the smooth and creamy cheese often associated with cannoli and lasagna, takes center stage at the Ricotta Festival in Calabria.

This festival showcases the art of ricotta-making, where visitors can watch the curdling process and even try their hand at making ricotta themselves. Of course, there are numerous ricotta-based dishes to sample, ranging from sweet desserts to savory pasta dishes.

7. Parmigiano Reggiano Festival – Parma

Regarded as the “King of Cheeses,” Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese that comes from the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena.

Each year, the Parmigiano Reggiano Festival takes place in Parma, where visitors can witness the entire cheese-making process, from raw milk to aged wheel. The festival offers tastings of different aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, and even opportunities to purchase cheese directly from the producers.

8. Taleggio Festival – Taleggio Valley

Taleggio is a soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region. The Taleggio Festival, held in the idyllic Taleggio Valley, showcases this pungent cheese in all its glory.

Visitors can explore the breathtaking valley, meet local cheesemakers, and savor dishes made with Taleggio. The festival also includes guided hikes, music performances, and cheese pairings with regional wines.

9. Caciocavallo Festival – Campania

Caciocavallo is a popular cheese in Italy, particularly in the southern region of Campania. The Caciocavallo Festival celebrates this traditional cheese, which is made by stretching and tying two small cheese balls together.

During the festival, visitors can learn about the age-old techniques used in Caciocavallo production, as well as sample an abundance of delicious dishes incorporating this unique cheese.

10. Formaggio di Fossa Festival – Sogliano al Rubicone

The Formaggio di Fossa Festival takes place in Sogliano al Rubicone, a small town in the Emilia-Romagna region.

This festival celebrates the ancient tradition of aging cheese in underground pits or “fossa.” Visitors can witness the process of storing and extracting the cheese from the pits, which results in a distinctive aroma and flavor. The festival also offers tastings of this extraordinary cheese, along with local wines and other regional specialties.