Autumn opens with fragrant truffles in Le Marche! During the weekends between October and November the charming village of Sant'Angelo in Vado, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, houses the International White Truffle Fair. It was once called the Fair of Truffle Hunters and is the oldest event of this kind in Italy after that one of Alba, in Piedmont. It's a must for those who want to buy this precious tuber, taste the local dishes and try the many typical products of the Montefeltro like mushrooms, chestnuts, mulled wine, cheese, meat and honey.
About Truffle
The whole area of the High Apennines in the surroundings of Pesaro and particularly of the Valle del Metauro is rich in fine white truffles. The most important research centre for the study and application of truffle cultivation techniques in Italy is located in Sant’Angelo in Vado. Next to this centre there is a large forest nursery producing thousands of truffle plants every year. Right in this town it was filmed the first TV series in Italy focused on truffles and entitled 'White Gold Hunting', broadcasted on DMAX channel.
The White Truffle Fair
This event has taken place in Sant'Angelo in Vado since 1964, usually on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) between the month of October and the first week of November. In the historical centre of the town you will find food stands, artisans, hobbyists and spaces dedicated to children with music, entertainment and educational workshops. The event also includes various cultural events, such as exhibitions, guided visits to museums, churches, palaces and to the ruins of the Domus del Mito in Campo della Pieve, a great archaeological finding of about a thousand square metres which dates back to the first century AD. One of the most anticipated moment is the award ceremony of the 'Golden Truffle', a prize given to personalities from the show business and authorities for their social commitment. A wonderful opportunity to see live many famous people!!!
The cooking show 'Tradition is Served' is another exciting initiative during which local cooks compete preparing delicious recipes, obviously based on truffle. To taste truffle dishes and much more, everywhere in the village you will find dining options set up in beautiful wineries open until late at night. Every year the event closes with the traditional 'In Vado' fair, with the exhibition of products of all kinds.
Guided truffle hunting
If you've always dreamed of venturing through the woods in search of truffles, then you should know that during the period of the fair guided tours with expert truffle hunters and their dogs are organised. The experience takes place in a unique setting, completely immersed in a wide wooded valley. To participate you need to make a reservation at the Truffle Office in the square Piazza Umberto.
The International Motorcycle Rally of Truffle
The White Truffle Fair has hosted the International Motorcycle Rally since 1978, an event that attracts thousands of motorbike fans from all over Europe.
Typically the meeting takes place during a single weekend and includes awards, provided lunches, organised dinners with music entertainment, sightseeing and visits to museums and places of interest in the surrounding areas.
