Is olive oil the secret behind Italian cuisine and longevity? Italians certainly think so:…
Is olive oil the secret behind Italian cuisine and longevity? Italians certainly think so: they call it oro liquido (liquid gold) and consume an average of 16 pounds of olive oil yearly! In Italy, you find it everywhere: from the pantry to moisturizers, soaps, and beauty products.
No wonder there’s an annual Italian festival entirely dedicated to this golden elixir. It’s called Olivagando. And here’s everything you need to know about it.
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What is Olivagando?
Olivagando is a two-day festival in Magione, a charming town in central Italy. The event is held in mid-November (October and November are the harvesting months in Italy), and it celebrates olive oil with tasting, guided tours, and workshops.
Olivagando is a made-up word blending oliva (olive) and vagando (wandering), a playful nod to exploring both land and product. It also refers to divulgando (sharing knowledge), highlighting the festival’s educational mission.
@casamiedi We’ve captured the magic of olive oil in Umbria! From walking through sun-kissed olive groves to tasting this beautiful olive oil with bread followed by a delicious light lunch, this is a taste of Italy like no other. Come for the olive oil, stay for the experience.
#OliveOilTasting #Umbria #ItalianFarmhouse #ItalyTravel #FarmToTable #FoodieAdventure #CountrysideLiving #umbrianexperience
Where is the Olivagando festival in Italy?
Are you thinking about adding Olivagando to your Italian itinerary? Great idea! But where exactly does it take place?
Olivagando is held in Magione, a lovely hilltop town on the east shore of the Trasimeno Lake in Umbria, between Tuscany and Marche.
The village is just thirteen miles from the beautiful Perugia and has a long history. It is first mentioned in a document dating back to 1075, though it was known as Pian di Carpine. The current name comes from the presence of a magione (a medieval travelers’ lodge) established by the Knights of Malta to assist pilgrims on their journey to Rome.
That shelter is now the Castle of Magione, which you can visit by appointment. It regularly hosts local wine tastings and experiences.
Other festival locations around Magione
Most mill tours are in nearby locations, like San Feliciano, Villa, or Monte del Lago. These are ancient medieval hamlets that became part of greater Magione. Each village has its charm, and exploring them during the festival is an excellent opportunity for discovering the unique character of this region.
What to expect at the olive oil festival
As Italians say: Di tutto e di più! (Everything and more!)
Every year, there are plenty of events to enjoy at Olivigando. The soul of the gathering is tastings, food stalls, and live experiences. But there are also many live music shows, kids’ workshops, and interesting roundtable talks.
Outdoor experiences: Olive groves and nature trails
One of the best ways to enjoy Olivagando is to participate in unforgettable trekking or horse riding tours through olive groves and local oil mills—often with tastings included.
As you discover the countryside, it’s a great chance to test all those Italian expressions you’ve been practicing with fellow participants!
Local flavors and olive oil delights
If you’re a food lover, you will especially enjoy this part. The key event at Olivagando is known as DegustaTu (degusta means “taste,” and tu means “you”).
On Saturday and Sunday evenings, dozens of food vendors create a unique gastronomic route where visitors can sample small plates and drinks as they stroll from stand to stand. From traditional zuppa di lenticchie (lentil soup) or bruschetta, to local wines and more creative bites like gelato all’olio d’oliva (olive oil ice cream), there’s something to delight every palate. And don’t miss the chance to end on a sweet note with a slice of olive oil cake, best enjoyed with a good Italian coffee.
Olive oil competition: La dolce goccia
The festival also hosts an official competition called La dolce goccia (the sweet drop), where professional and amateur producers compete with the olive oil they have created that year. It’s fun and instructive if you want to go deeper into the olive oil scene.
Seasonal flavors: olio novello
During the festival, watch for tastings of olio novello or olio nuovo (new oil), the first pressing of the season. The so-called oro verde (green gold) is a true delicacy with a vibrant green hue and peppery flavor. It’s best enjoyed raw and only available for a few short weeks. So, if someone offers you a taste, there’s only one correct answer: an enthusiastic “yes” in Italian.
Tasty vocabulary to use while in Umbria
The chart below is a handy cheat sheet to help you recognize and enjoy some delicious foods and products you’ll encounter at Olivagando. And you can always learn more food vocabulary in Italian to feel confident about what you’re eating!
| Italian | English | Description |
| arvoltolo | Umbrian fried dough | sweet or savory |
| bruschetta | toasted/grilled bread slice | usually topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil |
| cipollata | Umbrian onion stew | sweet onions slow-cooked in olive oil |
| Colli del Trasimeno DOP | Trasimeno Hills DOP olive oil | extra virgin olive oil with protected designation of origin |
| crostini | small toasted bread slices | crunchy bites with spreads (pâté, mushrooms, etc.) |
| focaccia | soft flatbread with olive oil and salt | sometimes topped with olives, onions, or cheese |
| olio d’oliva | olive oil | made by blending refined and extra virgin olive oil |
| olio extra vergine d’oliva | extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) | made only by cold-pressing olives (highest quality) |
| olio novello/nuovo | season’s first olive oil | fresh-pressed olive oil |
| torcolo | Umbrian sweet bread ring | ring-shaped holiday cake |
| torta all’olio | olive oil cake | light and soft, made with olive oil instead of butter |
| vin brulè | mulled wine | spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and orange |
Are you ready to taste authentic bruschetta with premium olio d’oliva and blend in at Italian festivals like a local?
From learning how to order food in Italian to chatting with fellow festival-goers, a bit of the Italian language turns every bite and every moment into a richer experience. If you start now, you will be more than ready for the next edition of Olivagando: Learn the language behind the flavors with Rosetta Stone.
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