Chongqing- On November 23, the opening ceremony of the Week of Italian Cuisine was officially launched. It is the fifth year of the event, which meets Italy's 50th anniversary and China's diplomatic establishment.

The Week of Italian Cuisine focuses on promoting Italy’s colorful food culture and traditions through various activities initiated by different consular agencies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy worldwide. More than 100 public and private enterprises are related to Italy's delicacies that have actively participated in and cooperate with the event.

On November 23, the opening ceremony of the Week of Italian Cuisine was officially launched.

“Delicacies are one part of Italy’s pride, and the Week of Italian Cuisine has now become a regular event to promote Italy's delicacies,” said Guido Bilancini, the Consul General of Italy in Chongqing. He also mentioned that Chinese people love Italian food even more than before; therefore, continuously strengthening bilateral relations between China and Italy in cultural and other fields.

Guido Bilancini, the Consul General of Italy in Chongqing

The Fifth Week of Italian Cuisine in 2020 is of extraordinary significance, which also meets the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Italy.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

According to Consul General Bilancini, from November 23 to 29, there will be more than 30 food promotion events organized by restaurants, bars, high-end hotels, Italian ice cream shops, and Chongqing’s most important imported supermarkets in Chongqing, Chengdu, Kunming, and Guiyang.

Guests in the opening ceremony

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Photography Exhibition of Italian Cuisine – Italy's Taste was officially launched. There are a total of 25 photographic works of Italian delicacies and ingredients presented in the exhibition. In addition, the photography exhibition will be moved to Olè Import Supermarket (Jiefangbei) to welcome the public.

Photos of the Photography Exhibition of Italian Cuisine – the Taste of Italy

Moreover, the dinner party was held, with the theme of Tradition and Innovation - Bicentennial of Pellegrino Artusi’s Birth. 2020 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Artusi, the Italian gourmet and writer in the 19th century. Therefore, the dinner provided several famous dishes created by Artusi, the father of Italian cuisine.

The dinner party