The city of love” is the phrase often used to describe Italy’s Verona, but for many, especially the Veronese, it is (also) the city of gnocchi. Every year, on the last Friday before lent, it hosts the Venerdì Gnocolar, or Gnocchi Friday.
“Also known as Bacanal del Gnoco, it is the most awaited event of the Carnival of Verona. It features a parade of masked figures, including Papà del Gnoco, who holds a giant golden fork with a big gnocco on top. At the end of the colourful parade, he distributes hot potato gnocchi dishes to everyone,” explains Giancarlo Perbellini, chef and owner of Verona’s two Michelin-starred Casa Perbellini.
