From 19 September to 12 October 2025, Isola della Scala (Verona) transforms into a pilgrimage site for lovers of rice and authentic Italian gastronomy, as it hosts the 57th Fiera del Riso — the most famous rice festival in Italy. What started decades ago as a harvest celebration now draws hundreds of thousands of visitors both from across Italy and from abroad, eager to experience firsthand the art and flavor of Italian risotto culture.
At the heart of the festival is Rice Nano Vialone Veronese IGP, the locally cultivated, pearl-like grain protected by geographical indication. Its texture, starch content, and firm body have made it the benchmark for creamy, refined risottos.
Visitors can taste more than fifty different variations of risotto — from timeless classics to bold, inventive creations prepared by master risottieri and chefs from Italy and beyond.
But food is only the beginning. The Rice Fair is an immersive experience combining culture, entertainment, and tradition. There are concerts, costume parades, live shows for families and children, sports events, exhibitions, and technical conferences involving the Ente Nazionale Risi and the Vialone Veronese Consortium.
In terms of scale, the 2025 edition stretches over an exhibition area of over 40,000 square meters, including approximately 15,000 square meters indoor space, hosting both Italian and international exhibitors.
For visitors from abroad, the fair offers more than just meals. It’s a chance to explore Veneto’s countryside, its rice paddies, to engage with agrarian traditions, to see how harvest rhythms shape the local culture. And logistically, Isola della Scala is well placed: easily reachable from Verona, by road or regional transport; nearby airports and motorway networks facilitate access.
Every day is open, every evening alive. The fairgrounds are open at lunchtime and in the evening. There’s also a mobile app and advanced booking of dishes/restaurants so food lovers can plan ahead and avoid queues.
In short, the Fiera del Riso is not just a festival: it’s a showcase of Italian gastronomic identity, rural tradition, and international appeal. For anyone intrigued by food culture, culinary craftsmanship, or just looking for an authentic experience in Italy, this is one not to miss.
