Venice launches “SAOR 2025”: a festival celebrating the taste of sustainability
The city of Venice is preparing to host “SAOR 2025 Festival” a widespread festival that will enliven the historic centre, the mainland and the islands from 10 to 12 October 2025. The initiative, promoted by the Municipality of Venice, invites producers, restaurateurs, associations, artists and citizens to contribute to a new narrative of Venetian gastronomic culture.
The event is the Municipality's pilot initiative as part of the European TESTEAT project. The aim is to promote the local food and wine heritage through the principles of environmental sustainability and food inclusion.
The festival will focus on two themes in particular:
- Food inclusion: Gastronomic experiences accessible to all will be promoted, with creative offerings that take into account different nutritional needs such as vegetarian, vegan or low-gluten, lactose or sugar diets.
- Environmental sustainability: The event will encourage environmentally friendly practices in line with the principles of the circular economy. Emphasis will be placed on the use of locally sourced ingredients, the reuse of food surpluses and the reduction of waste.
For the occasion, the Municipality of Venice has published a call for expressions of interest: ideas and proposals must be submitted by September 8.
A wide range of participants can apply, including farmers, restaurateurs, chefs, artisans, cultural associations, artists, schools and cooperatives. Proposals may include cooking workshops, tastings, food tours, meetings, debates, artistic performances and activities for children, provided they are in line with the spirit of the initiative. Proposals selected by a technical committee will receive a lump sum of €700 to cover expenses.
To participate, please send the application form to saor@comune.venezia.it no later than 3September 8.
For more information on the call for proposals, please visit the website of the Municipality of Venice - https://rb.gy/0rc6jv
