World Pesto Championship (Mortar) 2026 Final at Palazzo Ducale

World Pesto Championship (Mortar) 2026 — Final

Where: Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, Genoa

When: 20–21 March 2026

Overview: The XI edition of the World Pesto Championship (mortar) concludes within the historic Palazzo Ducale. The competition highlights Ligurian culinary excellence and pairs it with cultural activities in one of Genoa's main monument sites.

Practical information

• Main times: activities start on the afternoon of 20 March; the main contest takes place on 21 March from around 11:30, with the winner announced in the afternoon.
• Tickets: price currently unavailable—check the official website for updates.
• Official site: pestochampionship.it

Competition format and rules

Participants must prepare Genoese Pesto strictly using the official recipe ingredients and a mortar. Use of any unauthorized ingredient leads to disqualification.

• Permitted ingredients: Genovese Basil DOP, Italian pine nuts, Vessalico garlic, Riviera Ligure DOP extra virgin olive oil, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Pecorino Sardo, coarse sea salt from Trapani.
• Judging criteria: manual technique, texture of the pesto, creaminess, colour and overall balance of flavors.

Competitors and jury

One hundred finalists, selected through preliminary heats (including international eliminations), will compete. The jury includes chefs, gastronomes and food journalists chosen for their expertise.

Program highlights

• Friday afternoon (20 March): short lessons, chef demonstrations and book presentations at the Region of Liguria's Sala Trasparenza.
• Saturday morning (21 March): competition and selection of finalists; official greetings and musical performances.
• Saturday afternoon (21 March): final round and winner announcement (approx. 16:00).
• Saturday evening: Pesto Party with tastings offered by the Chamber of Commerce and certified regional restaurants.

Side events and cultural activities

• Children's Pesto contest organized by the Genovese Basil DOP Consortium.
• Comics and illustration projects, exhibition of historic family mortars and a pesto-themed literary prize.
• Free guided walk "An Hour in the Historic Centre" to explore Genoa's lanes and artisan shops.
• Informational stands on Ligurian DOP products and educational corners about basil and local biodiversity.

Visiting the monument during the event

Attending the championship at Palazzo Ducale is an opportunity to combine a visit to a major monument with a food-cultural experience. Check opening times and guided tour availability to make the most of your visit.

More information: full program and updates available on pestochampionship.it.