Spring is a time of re-birth in Liguria. Locals walk along tree-lined promenades by the seafront, mountain bikers take to the Ligurian hills, and the air is filled with the scent of festivities and celebrations. Liguria is the heart of Italian cuisine and is famous for its street vendors selling warm focaccia, award-winning pesto and seafood dishes filled with aromatic fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables.
From 8-17 April, Genoa will host the Pesto World Championship bringing together 100 participants competing against each other to make the best pesto sauce in the region. The event will take place in the cultural heart of Genoa, the 'Palazzo Ducale', a 15th century building that hosts high profile exhibitions and markets in its lofty atrium.
The 'Palazzo Ducale' will open its doors for free from 5pm on 16 April, allowing visitors to browse the exhibitions and take a tour of the cultural centre of Genoa. Throughout the entire week, Genoese and Ligurian restaurants will offer typical dishes based on pesto with special fixed price menus.
The aim of the championship is to promote the local food of Genoa and Liguria and its territory.
