The Eleventh Night of the Masters of Sourdough: In Parma, panettone is eaten even in summer
As you know, the seasonalization of panettone is a theme we've always believed in, and the eleventh edition of the Notte dei Maestri del Lievito Madre (Night of the Masters of Sourdough), scheduled for Monday, July 20th, is the perfect opportunity to support this worthy cause, transforming the city into a vast open-air workshop to celebrate the excellence of artisanal leavened products.
No longer just a dessert associated with the winter holidays, it's a contemporary offering featuring over fifty academics from the Academy of Masters of Sourdough and Italian Panettone presenting sweet and savory versions, featuring seasonal ingredients. The splendid Pilotta complex, between Piazzale della Pace and the historic center, will host the masters and the public, with plans to move to Piazza Ghiaia only in case of inclement weather.
The Eleventh Night of the Masters
Claudio Gatti, President of the Academy, explained the deeper meaning of the initiative: "The Night of the Masters has become much more than a celebration of sourdough: it's an event that showcases the evolution of the art of great Italian leavened products and panettone's ability to transcend seasonality. Each creation embodies passion, research, and tradition, but also innovation and a dialogue between regions and cultures. Bringing together the best master leaveners in Parma means sharing with the public a unique Made in Italy heritage that deserves to be celebrated year-round."
This year, the event confirms its charitable spirit, as all proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Emporio Solidale di Parma to support families in need. To access the tastings, you must purchase a solidarity bracelet with a minimum donation of five euros at the association's stands.
Deputy Mayor Lorenzo Lavagetto expressed his satisfaction with the event's connection to the local area: "The Night of the Masters of Sourdough is an event that has consolidated a strong bond with Parma over the years, bringing professionals, enthusiasts, and visitors from all over Italy and abroad to the city. It's an event that fosters the exchange of diverse experiences, gastronomic cultures, and artisanal skills, finding an ideal setting in our city thanks to its welcoming spirit and its openness to dialogue on the topics of food and quality."
The packed program will begin at 6:00 PM at the Governor's Palace with the official presentation and announcement of the top three academics of the year, as well as the presentation of official jackets to the talents of the first Italian Under-30 Championship: Erika Biancucci, Simona Gega, and Angelo Valsecchi. Afterward, the Masters' procession will pass through the city center to the Pilotta Racetrack, leading to the tastings scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM. The evening will also feature previews of future events, such as the World Panettone Convention in Rome and the 2027 Panettone World Championship.
