‘Craft chocolate’ in a famous Florentine square

Totally revamped after a solid 14 editions, the Fiera del Cioccolato Artigianale (Artisanal Chocolate Fair) will change its name and return to piazza Santissima Annunziata from 8/2 to 17/2. Now called “Firenze e cioccolato,” or “Florence and chocolate,” the event will not only feature tastings, but will also serve as a showcase for operators and professionals from across the industry. Master chocolate makers will bring their creations to the square, offering them to an audience of both Florentines and tourists. Expect everything from pralines to bars to ganache, and even social and charitable initiatives, such as an event scheduled for March 6 in collaboration with Caritas Firenze. For the occasion, the meal center downtown (right in the same square as the fair) will host Luigi Bonadonna, chef of the Chalet Fontana, who will make a themed lunch for guests of the venue. Per tradition there will also be cooking shows with starred chefs and national figures – but it won’t b limited to this. A series of conferences and meetings centered on chocolate as an across-the-board sort of product, with particular attention given to its health benefits, will take place. There will be discussion of some more unusual ideas, including the relationship between sport and chocolate and other relevant, current topics.