Nero Norcia Truffle Festival

When the Nero Norcia truffle festival takes place

Nero Norcia is held at the end of winter, between the second half of February and early March, spread over two consecutive weekends. The 2026 edition took up the first weekend from February 20 to 22 and the second from February 27 to March 1. The 2025 edition, the 61st, had taken place from February 21 to 23 and from February 28 to March 2.

Dates change from year to year, and the format is not always the same either. In 2023, for example, the event was spread over nine consecutive days, from February 25 to March 5. Before booking travel and accommodation, it is therefore best to check the official calendar of the current edition.

The Nero Norcia program

The heart of the event is the market fair through the historic center. In 2026 the exhibitors lined corso Sertorio up to Porta Ascolana, with about 60 stands. Among the products on show are fresh prized black truffle, Norcia cured meats, Umbrian cheeses, mountain legumes, honey, saffron and extra virgin olive oil. Protected specialties include Prosciutto di Norcia IGP and the lentils of Castelluccio di Norcia IGP.

The Laboratorio del gusto (Taste Workshop), set up in Piazza Vittorio Veneto with the Umbria Chamber of Commerce, hosts cooking shows with tastings. In 2026 various chefs took turns, including Giulio Gigli, with a red and a green Michelin star, and Andrea Impero, with a Michelin star. On the second weekend, the Pro Loco of Berchidda, a Sardinian town twinned with Norcia, offered typical dishes from its tradition.

Alongside the food there is a calendar of cultural events. The 2026 edition included:

• the presentation of the magazine "Nero Norcia", with 128 pages devoted to Norcia and the Valnerina;
• a seminar on the Reconstruction Code of the Progetto Fenice, in the Digipass hall;
• the concert "La Regola per il Cielo", dedicated to San Benedetto, with the Coro San Benedetto "Città di Norcia";
• "Il Norcino", a demonstration of pork butchery, and a demonstration of the area's traditional crafts;
• music performances by the Groovy Boyz in Piazza San Benedetto and by street artists from the Ferrara Buskers Festival;
• the second edition of the Premio nazionale Ilario Castagner (Ilario Castagner National Award), on February 27 in the Digipass hall.

One of the most heartfelt moments is the lighting of the Fiaccola benedettina (Benedictine Torch). In 2026, on Sunday, March 1, the ceremony took place in the Basilica of San Benedetto in Norcia, with Norcia's historical procession and the delegations from Subiaco and Cassino.

There are dedicated activities for families and young people. At the Giardini di Porta Romana there was a play and learning area on biodiversity, with donkey walks and activities for children. The Norcia youth council organized a truffle hunt on February 28 and an "Under 35 vs over 35" evening on March 1. For other events of the year, see the page on events and food festivals in the Sibillini, while those looking for food events in another season can consult the fall food festivals in the Sibillini.

How to get to the Nero Norcia truffle festival

Nero Norcia takes place in the historic center of Norcia, in the province of Perugia. The main locations are corso Sertorio and Porta Ascolana for the stalls, Piazza San Benedetto, Piazza Vittorio Veneto for the Laboratorio del gusto, the Digipass hall for talks and concerts and Porta Romana for the opening.

By car, those coming from the north can exit the A1 highway at Valdichiana and continue on the E45 toward Perugia. From there, follow the signs for Spoleto: just before the city is the turnoff for Norcia and Cascia. Those coming from the south take the A1 and exit at Orte, then continue to Spoleto.

For parking and shuttles on the days of the event, it is best to check with the Comune di Norcia or on the event's official website.