World Pesto Championship Returns to Palazzo Ducale: 100 Mortar Challengers

World Pesto Championship at Palazzo Ducale: 21 March

When: 21 March 2026 — Where: Salone del Gran Consiglio, Palazzo Ducale, Genoa.

The renowned pesto competition returns to one of Genoa's most emblematic monuments. One hundred amateur “pestaioli” from several countries will face off at the mortar to name the best homemade Genovese pesto, combining culinary tradition with the historic setting of the city’s palaces.

Competition format

• 100 competitors, including 28 who qualified directly through national and international preliminary rounds.
• A jury of 30 experts (gourmets, industry professionals and opinion leaders) will evaluate the entries.
• Morning heats arranged in groups of ten; the afternoon hosts the final and the announcement of the winner.

Supporting events and monument tours

Within the monumental setting of Palazzo Ducale and the historic centre, several parallel activities are planned to explore local history, craftsmanship and cultural ties to food:

• “Pesto da leggere”: a literary prize for cookery books and food-related essays.
• “Fumetti al Pesto”: a comics contest for young illustrators organised locally.
• An exhibition of historic household mortars and public installations called “mortars of peace”.
• Thematic routes through historic palaces with the “Pesto&Rolli” project and visits to artisan workshops in the old town.

Family activities and information corners

• A non-competitive children’s challenge on pesto, organised by the Consorzio del Basilico Genovese DOP.
• Opening performance by the Coro Lollipop.
• Informational stands on Ligurian DOP products, themed displays such as a “shelf of mistaken pestos” and an open Pesto Talk area for visitors.

Innovation, souvenir and closing party

The programme also highlights innovation projects, including research initiatives to extend pesto’s reach and novel pairing experiments. The 2026 official souvenir is a pack of salted basil-flavoured biscuits. The championship concludes with the Pesto Party, featuring tastings and special menus by participating local restaurateurs.

Purpose and organisers

The event promotes Ligurian culinary heritage while showcasing historic monuments as vibrant stages for cultural exchange. Local institutions and sector associations collaborate to support the championship and enhance its visibility at national and international level.