Perugia’s Eurochocolate 2010 is in full swing, and more than a million visitors are expected before this year’s edition ends on 24 October.
This sprawling event can be overwhelming, as Umbria’s small provincial capital is inundated by chocoholics from the world over. Here are a couple of tips to help you enjoy your visit to your chocolate-loving heart’s content.
1.The Chococard: Sold in most of the vendor stands along the main Corso, this coupon (€5) is good for Eurochocolate 2010’s official zipper themed chocolate bar and trinket, free samples and company swag from numerous other participating chocolatiers (including Nestlé, Lindt, and Milka), and various discounts on purchases and services during the festival. Follow the numbered map (provided separately) to find the stands where you can redeem your card. A great way to explore the festival and come home with a goodie-bag full of souvenirs.
2. Il Teatro dei Golosi: Don’t miss the breathtaking 18th century Teatro del Pavone, transformed for Eurochocolate into a boutique featuring some of the most luxurious chocolate producers in the world, including Richart, Santander, and Coppeneur. Live demonstrations by Perugina Chocolate School’s professional chefs are center stage for the duration of the festival.
3. Mexico...in Umbria: Mexico—specifically the state of Chiapas—is the guest country for Eurochocolate 2010. Wander the atmospheric medieval streets and alleys of the Rocca Paolina, which form the hidden underground foundation for modern Perugia above, and visit Mexico’s exhibit in the Sala Cannoniera. You will suddenly find yourself transported to the New World, where humanity’s love affair with the cocoa bean began.
Rebecca Winke – Innkeeper and Blogger
Rebecca moved to Italy from Chicago in 1993 and shortly thereafter opened an agriturismo in her husband’s renovated family farmhouse at the foot of Mount Subasio near Assisi, Umbria. She spends her time taking care of guests at Brigolante, blogging about the lovely region she now calls home at Rebecca’s Ruminations, and wondering about what strange winds blew an urban vegetarian to a pig farm in Umbria.
