Beautiful Mulazzo with BancarelMiele, the New Festival of the Territory at the End of September

Honey and sustainable culture take center stage in a village that has become a hub of excellence

Mulazzo was truly beautiful with the first edition of Bancarel’Miele, a two-day event dedicated to Lunigiana DOP Honey, local excellence, the territory, and sustainable culture, organized by the Municipality of Mulazzo and the Lunigiana DOP Honey Consortium last weekend. Hundreds of people flocked to the village to enjoy experiences, discover one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and savor the warmth of small-town life embraced by Piazza Dante.

On Saturday, September 20, the event highlighted the value of certified products and, consequently, of economic and tourism initiatives built upon local excellence. It was also an opportunity to share and network existing and future projects. Among these were the proposal by Mayor Claudio Novoa and Consortium Director Marco Cavallotti for a new Lunigiana Honey Road, the LIFE BEEadapt project for the protection of territories and the preservation of pollinating insects, the studies of Professor Antonio Felicioli (University of Pisa, biochemistry and apidology), as well as development initiatives promoted by institutions and private entities such as the Consortium itself, Slow Food LuniApua, the Lunigiana Mountain Municipal Union, the Lunigiana Rural District, the Tuscan IGP Olive Oil Consortium, Città del Miele, and the companies La Rita and Montagna Verde.

On Sunday, September 21, participants immersed themselves in the life, flavors, and spirit of the community. Highlights included Sara Micol Natali’s show The Circus of the Bees; entertainment by Luca Veroni and Francesca Mazzoli, who delighted children with bee face painting; guided cheese tastings by Valter Rapalli and Roberta De Cesari (ONAF); guided Lunigiana DOP honey tastings with Giovanna Spreafico, Honey Ambassador; workshops on homemade ointments with beeswax and balsamic oils by Elisa Caser; and visits to the Il Pungiglione apiary and honey house. Local specialties abounded: OIKOS Apiculture’s wellness products, artisanal salamis from Macelleria Andrea and Salumificio Marsili (including DOP Honey Salami), Marocca di Casola bread and new “Honey Drops” biscuits (DOP) from Forno in Canoàra, mushrooms and chestnut products from La Manganella, Ilaria Tarantola’s spongata cake, Amaro della Madonnafrom Villafranca, Mulazzo’s Ferrari Vivaldi extra virgin olive oil, craft beers from Birra del Moro, and cocktails with Lunigiana DOP honey by Andrea “Tanke” Federici. As a special surprise, wines from the latest Bancarel’Vino returned in a talk show with winemaker Ivan Giuliani, hosted by the Municipality and Artistic Director Marco Bellentani.

The festivities were further enriched by the beloved ANSPI Paradiso Club, which served aperitifs, platters, and Gelateria Delizia’s unique ice cream flavors (pollen, milk, and honey DOP), along with focaccette from Pro Loco G. Malaspina Licciana Nardi and panigacci baked by the passionate young custodians of tradition from Podenzana.

Mayor Claudio Novoa commented:

“This edition of Bancarel’Miele once again confirmed the strength and value of an event that combines tradition, quality, and innovation. The large turnout, the involvement of producers, and the high level of presentations made the festival a valuable opportunity to promote our territory and its excellence. Honey is the gold of Lunigiana, a true ambassador of our culture and identity. Together with institutions, associations, and businesses, we will continue working to make it a shared heritage, capable of generating growth and new opportunities for our area. A special thanks goes to the Lunigiana DOP Honey Consortium, to the institutions, and to our sponsors for their trust and support. This event was born in Mulazzo but celebrates and serves all of Lunigiana.”

He concluded:

“With its sweetness and authenticity, honey remains the perfect symbol of our community, preserving deep roots while looking confidently to the future. This is a starting point toward a major 2026 edition that will best represent Lunigiana DOP Honey production and many other local excellences.”

Consortium President Fabio Venè added:

“As President of the Lunigiana DOP Honey Consortium, I can only express satisfaction for the success of this first edition of Bancarel’Miele, both for the quality of the local products—many based on Lunigiana DOP Honey—and for the joyful participation of so many visitors in the shows, tastings, tours, and workshops, all of which sold out in just a few days. Many projects are in the works, including those for the new Lunigiana DOP Honey paths, which will be finalized in time for the second edition in 2026. My thanks go to everyone: Mayor Claudio Novoa for making this possible, our collaborators, sponsors, partners, speakers, the ANSPI Paradiso Club, and of course, the producers.”

BancarelMiele is a project and event organized by the Municipality of Mulazzo and the Lunigiana DOP Honey Consortium, with contributions from the Tuscany Region (LR 11/2025 Toscana Diffusa) and the North-West Tuscany Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by CONAD Lunigiana, Matec Industries, Edison, and Aby Broker. With the patronage of I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia, the Lunigiana Mountain Municipal Union, Coldiretti Massa Carrara, Città del Miele, Cittaslow, the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, Honey Ambassadors, ONAF Delegation of Massa Carrara – Lucca, and Il Pungiglione.