by InTrieste
The border city of Gorizia is preparing to host the 20th edition of Gusti di Frontiera, one of Italy’s largest food festivals, from September 25 to 28. Organizers say this year’s edition will be the biggest yet, with more than 400 stands representing 50 countries.
The festival, long considered a showcase of Gorizia’s multicultural identity, comes at a pivotal moment. Together with neighboring Nova Gorica in Slovenia, the city will hold the title of European Capital of Culture in 2025. Regional officials say the event reflects the same spirit of cross-border exchange that has defined the joint candidacy.
“For about 20 years, Gusti di Frontiera has anticipated the spirit of the European Capital of Culture, making Gorizia a crossroads of flavors and cultures,” said Sergio Emidio Bini, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s regional councilor for tourism and economic development, at the festival’s presentation on Monday. He noted that tourism in the city rose by more than 30 percent this summer compared to 2023, with over 33,000 overnight stays recorded between May and July.
The festival will also expand into Piazza Transalpina, the symbolic square that straddles the Italian-Slovenian border, with a new “Borderless Village.” The space, organizers say, will celebrate the shared identity of the twin cities and offer a culinary journey without borders.
Local leaders joined the regional councilor in emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the event. Mayor Rodolfo Ziberna of Gorizia, Mayor Samo Turel of Nova Gorica, and Gorizia’s city councilor for major events, Luca Cagliari, highlighted the role of associations, volunteers, and regional institutions in staging what has become a hallmark event for the area.
In addition to international food stands, the festival will host Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia, a promotional truck organized by PromoTurismoFVG. Stationed in Piazza Vittoria, it will feature concerts, tastings of regional wines and products, and design displays from local companies. Scheduled events include a performance by violinist Pierpaolo Foti on September 27 and guided tours of Gorizia organized throughout the festival weekend.
Officials say the combination of the long-running food festival and the European Capital of Culture designation is placing Gorizia in the spotlight as both a cultural and tourist destination. “This event has always symbolized the meeting of different cultures and flavors,” Mr. Bini said. “Now more than ever, it positions Gorizia at the center of the national stage, attracting thousands of visitors from abroad.”
