ReOlio

From October 31 to November 2, the Palazzetto dello Sport in Reggello is transformed into a grand stage of taste, landscape and culture. 

The historic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Festival, now in its 52ⁿᵈ edition, changes look and name, becoming ReOlio, a project that blends tradition and innovation, with a program slick with multi-sensory experiences.

3 days of events dedicated to tastings, live cooking shows, meetings, music, aperitifs and tours among olive groves and parish churches, on a journey that tells the story of the territory through its most identifiable product. There will be no shortage of special guests, including critic and performer Leonardo Romanelli, writer Marco Vichi and food and wine journalist Marco Gemelli.

The program:

• Friday, October 31
  11:00 am, inauguration, with the participation of the musical group SaràBanda
  To follow, the opening of producers’ stands, live cooking shows, training and in-depth discussions on olive growing, Aperitivo del Re with DJ set and cocktails with extra-virgin olive oil
• Saturday, November 1
  Morning debate on the importance of oil for health, live cooking shows with chefs and bartenders from the area
  Afternoon meeting with Marco Gemelli, Marco Vichi presents a national preview of his latest book, “Olio di Spirito – Vasari Cocktail Contest,” international culinary challenge “Piatti e Patti,” plus Aperitivo del Re
• Sunday, November 2
  Guided tours to the Vallombrosa Abbey and to the villages, churches and castles in the countryside, sensory workshops on oil, a meeting with Leonardo Romanelli, introductory course on sensory analyses of extra-virgin olive oil, 50ᵗʰ Oil Competition “I Quattro Frantoi,” award ceremony for the Reggello olive growers and a great collective toast

The booths of the producers will remain open until 9:00 pm.
On both Saturday and Sunday, the Mercato dei Nostrali will also be held.

The big change for this edition will be ReOlio Kids, an area entirely dedicated to children, with wooden games, educational activities and creative workshops:

• October 31
  Wooden games and activities on oil recycling, with non-alcoholic drinks and a popcorn party from 6:30 pm
• November 1: 
  Games and creative recycling, the ReOlio raffle by preschools (3:00 pm), award ceremony for the Scholastic Call for Submissions (5:00 pm), and non-alcoholic evening drinks
• November 2
  Scavenger hunt (11:00 am) and “Make Your Own Olive Leaf Wreath” workshop (3:00 pm)

Check out the event website for information, schedules and reservations for certain initiatives.