In ancient Rome, Baccanal was called celebrations in honour of the wine god Bacchus, which often degenerated into scandalous excesses.
Orgies are no longer celebrated during the three-week Baccanale in Imola, but the culinary delights on offer are still "divine".

174 events, seven themed exhibitions and five cooking schools devote 23 days to a culinary theme that changes every year.
Tastings take place at various locations in the community: Sometimes they are small pastries, then pasta and polenta, beer and wine, bean or meat dishes - but also vegetarian or gluten-free food.

A Slow Food market brings together customers and regional producers.
Book presentations, art and photo exhibitions or scientific lectures are on the programme, as are workshops on the history of food, nutrition and wellness or agricultural lectures.

Many events are accompanied by music, others deal with social issues or present projects such as Libera Terra - an association run by confiscated Mafialand - or Avazi Zero, which campaigns against the waste of food.

51 restaurants in Imola and the surrounding area participate in the event with special menus - and like every Italian festival, there are special workshops and entertainment programmes for children.