Mortadella Day

This year, Mortadella Day will be even more special. Mortadella Bologna PGI celebrates its 365th anniversary and returns to Bologna to mark this important milestone in the very place where its story began. The occasion also coincides with another important anniversary: the Consorzio italiano tutela Mortadella Bologna celebrates 25 years, 25 years dedicated to protecting and promoting an excellence that continues to make Bologna and its gastronomic heritage known throughout the world.

On 24 October 1661, Cardinal Farnese issued a decree in Bologna establishing the first rules for the production of Mortadella, marking one of the key milestones in the history of the “Regina Rosa”.

Much history has passed since then. Mortadella Bologna PGI has crossed eras, borders and cultures, reaching Italian and international tables while never losing its identity.

And after travelling around the world, today the Regina Rosa is ready to come home.

On 24 October 2026, Mortadella Day will be celebrated at the prestigious Palazzo Re Enzo, in the heart of Bologna: an exceptional venue to celebrate 365 years of history in the very city where the legend began.

Programme:

• Show cooking:
  From 11:30 am, Bologna chef Max Poggi and Daniele Reponi will take centre stage in a show cooking event dedicated to the Regina Rosa.
• Performance:
  A journey back in time. In the atrium of Palazzo Re Enzo, every hour from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the history of Mortadella Bologna PGI will come to life through a historical reenactment in period costume, curated by Franz Campi and Associazione 8cento APS.
• Tasty break:
  From 6:00 pm, our long-standing ambassador Daniele Reponi will welcome visitors in the atrium for an aperitif dedicated to the excellence of Emilia-Romagna. The tasting will feature Piadina Romagnola PGI, Mortadella Bologna PGI and Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI: three specialities in one all-Emilian aperitif.
• Treasure hunt:
  Ready to put yourselves to the test?
  Italian and international creators attending the event will compete in a special treasure hunt to discover Bologna and its Regina Rosa.
• Exhibition:
  In the prestigious Salone del Podestà of Palazzo Re Enzo, visitors will be able to see an exhibition dedicated to the 365th anniversary of Cardinal Farnese’s decree, created in collaboration with Mutua Salsamentari.

The event is part of Città dei Salsamentari and will be organised in collaboration with Mutua Salsamentari 1876.