Shining cutlery in parade formation. Napkins flapping in the aromas of a melody written in taste, announcing the return of His Majesty the Pig. Now in its fourteenth edition, the cultural, gastronomic event organized in Valceno (PR) is a real journey through ancient traditions, the tastes and aromas of a rich, generous land; Every weekend from November to February, the generously laden tables of its restaurants, trattorias, osterias, farmhouses and inns will give guests unforgettable experiences, spirit … and palate! The Towns involved, coordinated by Parma Tourism, are Solignano, Varano de’ Melegari, Bardi, Varsi, Bore, Pellegrino Parmense, Fornovo, Medesano and  Valmozzola; for 13 consecutive weekends, after the great 4 November opening dinner, many characteristic restaurants and trattorias will be offering guests pork and local speciality menus from Valceno. These extra tasty menus include ciccioli, cotechino sausage, fried salami, netted liver, blood sausage, spare ribs, feet, face and, no doubt about it, black pig pork cooked in all the different varieties!
All details can be found in the new catalogue including full menus, restaurant names and suggestions for an overnight stay in bed & breakfast or farmhouses in Valceno from 25 to 50 euro per person a night.
Then a choice from amongst multiple tourist packages combining the pleasures of “His Majesty the Pig” with visits to the famous Verdi localities, to the castles and towns of Parma going from 80 euro for groups and 90 for individuals.
After the great success of last year’s edition, you can also take guided tours around the cheese and ham factories (booking obligatory: Parma Turismi tel. 0521 228152) enriched by cultural visits to Valceno castles, museums and churches. Don’t miss a visit to the castle in Varano de’ Melegari, recent set for the TV fiction “Elisa di Rivombrosa 3”, and on 27 January the extraordinary opening of the Dallara Automobili factory, world leader in racing car design.
This initiative was planned by Parma Turismi and organised by the Pro Loco of Varano de’ Melegari together with its Town Administration, by Parma Province, the Mountain Communities of the Taro and Ceno Valleys with support from  Banca Monte Parma and the community program “leader plus” GAL Soprip.