Via Francigena by Bike: London to Rome, 20 Risottos
Carnaroli Rice Celebrates 80 Years With cycling Tour From London to Rome
London, England – A cycling tour celebrating the 80th anniversary of Carnaroli rice will begin in London on May 8, 2025, and conclude in Rome on June 12, with a stop in Vatican City on June 11. The tour will follow the ancient Via Francigena, coinciding with the Jubilee year. The event is part of Carnaroli80, organized by the Rice Road Association.
20 Stops Featuring Show-Cooking and Tastings
The 20-stage event will include show-cooking and tastings at the following locations:
- London – May 8-9, 2025
- Canterbury – May 10
- Troyes - May 17
- Champlitte – May 19
- Orsières – May 23
- Aosta – May 25
- Ivrea – May 26
- Palestro – May 27
- Pavia – May 28
- Guardamiglio – May 28
- Fidenza – May 29
- Pontremoli – May 30
- Pisa – June 2
- San Gimignano – June 4
- Siena – June 5
- Montefiascone – June 7
- Viterbo – June 8
- Sutri – June 9
- Vatican City – June 11
- Rome - June 12
The rice fields, typical landscape of Lomellina
General States of Italian Rice in Vigevano
From Oct. 2-5, Vigevano, the capital of Lomellina, will host the first edition of the General states of Italian Rice. The event will gather over 3,000 invited rice producers from 33 Italian provinces.Each day will focus on a different theme, including Organic Rice Production (Orp 4.5) in collaboration with Slow food, and the connection between sport, taste, and tourism, in anticipation of the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Producers, including small-scale farmers, will have the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute to creating a decalogue of key points to support agricultural work and environmental protection. On the final day, following a gala lunch, there will be a reenactment of Galeazzo Maria Sforza’s donation of 12 bags to Ercole I d’Este, “from which you will get 12 bags from each sack.” This celebration of history, 550 years later, pays tribute to the widespread cultivation of rice. Stefano Bressani will also create a unique rice cob artwork for the occasion.
Carnaroli Rice Celebrates 80 Years: A Comprehensive Guide
Join us as we delve into the exciting events surrounding the 80th anniversary of Carnaroli rice! From a cycling tour along the Via Francigena to past reenactments and artistic expressions, we’ll explore the significance of this celebrated grain and the celebrations planned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnaroli Rice and its celebrations
What is Carnaroli Rice and Why is it so Special?
Carnaroli rice is a premium Italian rice variety.Known for its large, pearly grains, it’s frequently enough called the “King of Rices”. It’s particularly favored by chefs for its high starch content,wich gives risotto its creamy texture while maintaining a firm “al dente” bite. Its ability to absorb flavors exceptionally well also makes it a star ingredient in manny dishes.
What is the Carnaroli80 Cycling Tour?
The Carnaroli80 cycling tour is a special event organized by the Rice Road Association to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Carnaroli rice. The tour starts in London on May 8, 2025, and concludes in Rome on June 12, 2025. It follows the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route, coinciding wiht the Jubilee year. This event provides a unique way to celebrate the legacy of Carnaroli rice.
What is the Via Francigena?
the Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury,England,to Rome,Italy.The cycling tour follows this historic trail, offering participants a journey through time and culture, alongside the culinary party of Carnaroli rice.
What Are the Key Highlights of the Carnaroli80 Cycling Tour?
The cycling tour will feature a variety of events at its 20 stops along the way.
- Show-Cooking Demonstrations: Chefs will demonstrate how to prepare delicious Carnaroli rice dishes.
- Tastings: Participants will be able to enjoy the flavors of Carnaroli rice in various culinary creations.
- Historical Significance: The tour coincides with the Jubilee year and reflects the history of the Via Francigena pilgrimage route.
Where are the Stops on the Carnaroli80 Cycling Tour?
The Carnaroli80 cycling tour will have 20 stages, making stops in several key locations.Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
| City | Dates |
|---|---|
| London | May 8-9, 2025 |
| Canterbury | May 10 |
| Troyes | May 17 |
| Champlitte | May 19 |
| Orsières | May 23 |
| Aosta | May 25 |
| Ivrea | May 26 |
| Palestro | May 27 |
| Pavia | May 28 |
| Guardamiglio | May 28 |
| Fidenza | May 29 |
| Pontremoli | may 30 |
| Pisa | June 2 |
| San Gimignano | June 4 |
| Siena | June 5 |
| Montefiascone | June 7 |
| Viterbo | June 8 |
| Sutri | June 9 |
| Vatican city | June 11 |
| Rome | June 12 |
What Is the Significance of the “General States of Italian Rice” Event in Vigevano?
The “general States of Italian Rice” is an event held in Vigevano, the capital of Lomellina, to focus on the state of Italian rice production. This event includes the chance to share experiences and develop a decalogue of key points to support agricultural work and environmental protection.
what is the historical reenactment at the “General States of Italian Rice” event?
The event features a reenactment of Galeazzo Maria Sforza’s donation of 12 bags of rice to Ercole I d’Este, This is in tribute to the widespread cultivation of rice. This historical nod adds a cultural dimension to the celebration of Italian rice production.
What else happens at the General States of Italian Rice?
Various themes are explored during the event. These include:
- Organic Rice Production (Orp 4.5): This is done in collaboration with Slow Food, supporting a farm-to-table concept.
- Sports,Taste & Tourism: The event looks at ways to leverage sports,food,and tourism,particularly in conjunction with that it’s held in anticipation of the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
- Farmers Sharing Experiences: Producers sharing insights into agricultural practices, including small-scale farmers.
What is Stefano bressani’s contribution?
Artist Stefano Bressani will create a unique rice cob artwork for the event. This artistic element underscores the creativity tied to the rice harvest and the importance of rice production in the region.
How does this all celebrate the cultivation of rice?
The celebrations honor the history of rice farming. From the cycling tour following the Via Francigena, through the historically significant donation reenactment, to celebrating the widespread cultivation of rice today, the events pay tribute.
Are there any environmental protection aspects to the event?
The event, which features the “General States of Italian Rice”, focuses on the environmental protection and sustainability of agricultural work.

