by InTrieste
For four days in mid-September, the city of Udine will once again host the annual Friuli Doc festival, a celebration of the food, wine, and cultural heritage of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. This year, marking its 30th edition, the festival returns with an impressive program of tastings, entertainment, and events, spotlighting the local craftsmanship and agricultural richness of the northeastern Italian region.
From September 12 to 15, Piazza Primo Maggio will transform into a lively hub of activity. Visitors will enjoy a diverse program ranging from enogastronomic offerings to live music by renowned DJs. This year’s theme, “I am Friuli Venezia Giulia,” is designed to highlight the region’s finest food and drink offerings, with local wines, craft beers, and exclusive cocktails taking center stage.
The festival will kick off on September 12, with the official opening at 5 p.m. followed by live DJ performances, continuing late into the night. From Giardin Grande, visitors will experience the unique “I am Friuli Venezia Giulia Aperitif,” where local wines and beers will be paired with carefully curated regional specialties. PromoTurismoFVG, the regional tourism board, has organized large screens to display scenic videos of Friuli Venezia Giulia, providing an immersive experience alongside tastings and official festival merchandise.
The festival is more than just a feast for the senses. This year, a new feature called the “Cities and UNESCO Sites” area will be introduced. Here, conferences, presentations, and cultural discussions will shed light on Friuli Venezia Giulia’s rich heritage, with topics ranging from the Roman ruins of Aquileia to the architectural wonders of Palmanova, and the ever-popular Trieste, renowned for its Teatro Verdi.
The program will also include a tribute to the renowned “Far East Film Festival,” the largest Asian cinema festival in Europe, held annually in Udine. As culture mingles with cuisine, events will shift from day to night, with live music performances taking over the evenings. Some of Italy’s most famous DJs, including Dj Albertino and DJs From Mars, are slated to entertain festival-goers until midnight.
By day, festival-goers can explore Via Vittorio Veneto, which will be transformed into a bustling marketplace showcasing local products from 14 regional companies. Under the “I am Friuli Venezia Giulia” brand, the market will feature everything from artisanal cheeses and wines to locally distilled spirits and baked goods. The event will offer visitors a chance to purchase traditional products directly from local vendors and engage with the people behind these culinary treasures.
A Rich Cultural Agenda
Friday, September 13, brings with it a cultural program curated by Elena Commessatti, a journalist and writer, who will host discussions on topics as diverse as Asian cinema and comic books. A presentation on Palmanova’s “Virtual Lift” project, which offers visitors a virtual aerial view of the town’s star-shaped design, will also be featured. These sessions will offer an opportunity for visitors to explore the depth of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s history and innovation.
On Saturday, September 14, the festival will continue with a special children’s workshop blending comic art and archaeology, allowing younger visitors to learn about life in the region’s prehistoric villages. Later in the day, a presentation on Aquileia’s Roman ruins will provide insights into the latest archaeological discoveries. Cultural discussions will also turn toward the city’s bid to become Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2027.
Final Day Highlights
Sunday, September 15, will bring a focus on the future and legacy of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The agenda will include discussions on the historical and cultural significance of Gorizia, leading up to its role as European Capital of Culture in 2025, as well as a retrospective on local artist Tullio Crali, one of the icons of Italian Futurism.
As the festival winds down, the spotlight will shift to local delicacies. An interactive presentation called “Frico a sbreghebalon!” will dive into the rich history of frico, a traditional dish made of cheese and potatoes. Paired with local wines, this event, organized by Arlef and PromoTurismoFVG, is expected to offer a flavorful conclusion to the festival.
Throughout the event, visitors can also take advantage of dedicated information points to deepen their understanding of the region’s offerings and history.
The full program is available on the festival’s official website.
For those looking to savor Italy beyond its well-known tourist routes, Friuli Doc offers an authentic taste of the region’s culture, combining tradition, flavor, and innovation in one memorable event.
