Eurochocolate, also known as Eurochoc, is an International event dedicated to chocolate in all its forms. It takes place every October in Perugia, a lovely city in the Umbria region, where one of the most popular chocolates in the world was born: the Bacio Perugina. Entertainment shows, cultural activities and food stands enliven the streets of the historic centre where both artisan and industrial chocolate manufacturers present their products. Every year lots of tourists come to watch, learn, and of course to taste! Here is all you need to know about this sweet festival!
Its origins
The event dates back to the 1993 and comes out of an idea of the architect Eugenio Guarducci.
Since then, the festival has been enriched and renewed with themes always up with the times.
Everybody now considers Perugia as the city of Chocolate and on this occasion it becomes truly an open air chocolate shop.
The event
Eurochocolate involves the whole city centre of Perugia: Corso Vannucci, the beautiful square Piazza IV Novembre, Piazza Italia, the Terrace of the Covered Market and the surrounding areas such as Via Baglioni, Rocca Paolina, etc. You'll just need to go towards the historic centre and you'll find yourself immediately at the Chocolate show, an amazing Chocolate bazaar with lots of stands offering free tasting, gadgets and many other products that can be bought at very special prices. Most famous brands are present: Perugina, which is playing home, Pernigotti, Nestlé, Mulino Bianco, Lindt, Caffarel, Eraclea and many others which you'll find indicated in the Eurochocolate map together with the relative opening hours. Often people are presented new products which are not yet on the market and thus offered for free! One of the most anticipated events is the show of chocolate sculptures, during which skilled sculptors work on chocolate blocks of 1 cubic meter obtaining masterpieces that remain on display during the event. A souvenir picture next to the sculpture is a must for every visitor! You should know that while artists are working on their sculptures, millions of chocolate chips are given to the public. Among the cultural activities there is Eurochocolate World, a special section set at the Rocca Paolina and dedicated to world cocoa-producing countries, that illustrate their traditions and specialties. For the kids there is no lack of educational activities and delicious tastings. But chocolate is not only good to eat, actually during Eurochocolate you can book for free a spa treatment at Choco Farm, the beauty center which is the official partner of the festival.
Last useful tips
Eurochocolate takes place in October and lasts 10 consecutive days, so you should get organized in advance with your work commitments and opt for weekdays which are far less crowded. The event is absolutely free: no entrance ticket, no queue at the box office or special pass needed. You can buy instead the Choco Card for the cost of 6 euros, to benefit from many sweet giveaways, discounts and other advantages at local facilities, including museums, bars, restaurants, etc. You can buy this card at the Choco card points of the city centre, at the stands of the Chocolate Show, at affiliated shops or directly on line. You have free entrance to all activities organised, although some of them such as cooking classes, tastings and workshops might require an early reservation because of limited places.
