by InTrieste
Gorizia officially opened the 21st edition of Gusti di Frontiera on Wednesday evening, launching one of Italy’s largest food and cultural festivals with 350 stands representing 45 countries across the city’s historic center.
The four-day event, which runs through Sept. 27, brings together international cuisine, music and cultural programming in 17 themed districts, reinforcing Gorizia’s growing profile as a cross-border destination following its role in GO!2025, the European Capital of Culture shared with Nova Gorica.
Speaking at the inauguration, regional officials said the festival reflects the city’s broader tourism strategy and its emphasis on international exchange.
“Gusti di Frontiera is an international showcase that demonstrates Gorizia’s ability to attract visitors through gastronomy, culture and the meeting of peoples,” said Sergio Emidio Bini, the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional councilor for productive activities and tourism.
According to the regional government, tourist overnight stays in Gorizia during the first seven months of 2026 were more than double those recorded during the same period in 2019. Officials described the growth as evidence of the city’s expanding appeal after GO!2025.
This year’s opening ceremony took place in the Io Sono FVG exhibition space, which also highlights the transition from GO!2025 to Pordenone’s designation as Italy’s Capital of Culture 2027, linking two major regional cultural initiatives.
Expanded Public Transport
To accommodate the expected crowds, the Friuli Venezia Giulia region has expanded rail and bus services throughout the festival. The transportation plan includes:
- More than 30,000 additional train seats
- Extra regional train services
- Shuttle buses connecting the railway station with the city center
- Reserved parking and accessibility services for visitors with disabilities
Cristina Amirante, the regional councilor for infrastructure and territory, said the goal was to make the festival easier to reach without relying on private cars by coordinating rail and road transport, including evening and nighttime connections.
Coordinated Safety Plan
Regional authorities have also implemented a security operation valued at approximately €200,000.
The plan includes the Municipal Operations Center, an on-site emergency medical station and coordinated deployment of local police, national law enforcement agencies, firefighters, civil protection volunteers and private security personnel.
Pierpaolo Roberti, the regional councilor responsible for local autonomy and security, said events of this scale require extensive planning and cooperation among public institutions and emergency services to ensure a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.
Now in its 21st year, Gusti di Frontiera has become one of the flagship annual events in northeastern Italy, drawing thousands of visitors to celebrate the culinary traditions and cultural diversity of Europe and beyond.
