Corsican Chocolate Fair opens in Bastia

The 14th Corsican Chocolate and Delicacies Fair officially opened on Friday in the city of Bastia, a coastal town on the French island of Corsica. The event aims to celebrate local and international chocolate-making traditions and related products.

Key figures attend the opening

The inauguration took place in the early afternoon with the presence of Paul Pierinelli, president of the fair, Hélène Beretti, the deputy mayor responsible for economic and tourist development, and Élodie Balesi, a local chef and the godmother of this year’s event.

Élodie Balesi shares her enthusiasm

Élodie Balesi expressed her happiness and pride in being the godmother of the fair, emphasizing her desire to share local products and promote craftsmanship. She also mentioned that the fair would be an opportunity to connect with other chefs and learn new techniques.

Fair features a large exhibition space

Under a 4,200 square meter tent set up on Saint-Nicolas Square, visitors can explore 150 stands featuring exhibitors from Corsica, France, and around the world. The fair includes a variety of chocolate-related products and artisanal goods.

Diverse participation from international producers

Paul Pierinelli highlighted that while the fair gives special attention to Corsican producers, it also welcomes international participants. This year, visitors can find stands from countries such as Greece, Portugal, Morocco, and Ivory Coast, which is the world’s leading cocoa producer.

Additional activities and events

Beyond the exhibition, the fair includes a program of activities such as demonstrations, workshops, parades, and conferences throughout the weekend, offering visitors a broader experience of chocolate culture and artisanal craftsmanship.

Auto Fair complements the chocolate event

In addition to the chocolate fair, the Auto Fair is being held on the rest of Saint-Nicolas Square, offering car enthusiasts another attraction. Paul Pierinelli noted that the combined events would draw many visitors and boost the local economy.

Event expected to attract large crowds

The organizers are confident that the fair will attract many visitors, especially with the favorable weather and the central location in Bastia. The two fairs will run concurrently until their closing on Sunday.