From October 2 to 5, 2025, Vigevano will become the world capital of rice with the first edition of the Rice General Assembly, an international event dedicated to the culture, production, and promotion of one of Italy’s most iconic gastronomic symbols.

Four days combining scientific research, sustainability, tourism, and local traditions, with a rich program of conferences, workshops, tastings, and activities spread across some of the city’s most evocative venues: the San Dionigi Auditorium, the Cavallerizza, and the Sforza Castle of Vigevano.

Thursday, October 2 – Research and sustainability

The event opens at the San Dionigi Auditorium with an international conference on organic rice and the ORP – Organic Rice Production Systems project, with experts from India, Japan, Greece, Spain, and Italy.
On this day, the Slow Rice Manifesto, curated by Slow Food, will also be presented.

In the afternoon, the Cavallerizza will host the workshop “Rice Cultivation and Climate”, led by Legambiente Lombardia, focusing on strategies to reduce methane emissions and make rice growing more sustainable.

Friday, October 3 – Rice, health, and tourism

The second day will focus on the link between rice, nutrition, and sports. A Fish Bowl discussion moderated by journalist Gianni Merlo will feature dietitians, researchers, and champions such as Franca Fiacconi, Alberto Cova, and Ausilia Vistarini.

In the afternoon, the workshop “Rice in the world: food that unites people through tourism and tasting” will bring together producers and tourism promoters. The day will close with a special event dedicated to the perfect risotto, revealing secrets and culinary techniques to the public.

Saturday, October 4 – Giving a voice to the territories

The third day highlights the Rice Roads of Italy and the main rice-producing areas.
Topics will include biodiversity, the Ticino Park, bio-districts, and Slow Food presidia. In the afternoon, international round tables, educational activities for children, a celebratory book presentation, and the screening of the documentary “Rice of Italy – From London to Rome along the Via Francigena” are scheduled.

Sunday, October 5 – Tradition and final celebration

The closing day, titled “Silence… the rice speaks!”, combines culture, history, and festivity.
Highlights include the cycling tour “Sforza Itinerary”, an imperial lunch open to the public, the presentation of a book by Ermanno Boccalari, and a historical reenactment commemorating the 550th anniversary of Galeazzo Maria Sforza’s famous gift of twelve sacks of rice to Ercole I d’Este.

Throughout the event, the Sforza Castle of Vigevano will host:

• stands of rice and wine producers,

• tastings with the official glass (3 tastings included in the €10 ticket),

• the photo project “Black & Rice” by MAF Studio,

• activities organized by the Sforza Ecomuseum and guided tours of the city.

Also featured: a special postal cancellation dedicated to Carnaroli rice, educational initiatives for schools, and cultural experiences for families.

Adding to the cultural offer, from September 28 to October 5, 2025, the San Dionigi Auditorium will host the exhibition “Kuoridistoffa – If you’re not connected… You don’t deserve my Love” by internationally renowned artist Stefano Bressani.

The exhibition showcases 28 works made of recycled fabrics and recovered materials, addressing themes such as sustainability, fast fashion, and authentic love for the earth and human relationships.
The opening will take place on Sunday, September 28, at 11:00 a.m.

Opening hours:

• September 29-30 and October 1: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• October 2-3: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• October 4: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• October 5: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Rice General Assembly in Vigevano 2025 is a unique opportunity to:

• explore the Italian rice-growing culture,

• discover sustainable farming practices,

• enjoy food and wine tourism experiences,

• take part in tastings, conferences, and cultural activities,

• visit Vigevano and its treasures such as Piazza Ducale and the Sforza Castle.

An event that connects tradition and the future, with rice as the undisputed star.

Foto: Strada del Riso dei Tre Fiumi