• In the heart of Oradea, Ferdinand Square will transform, between June 21 and 23, 2025, into a vibrant corner of Italy, hosting the first edition of the L'Arte della Pizza festival - Festa della Pizza Napoletana.
The event, organized by Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani (APN) and Mainardi Food, in collaboration with Restaurant Corsarul, Oradea City Hall and Visit Oradea, promises an unforgettable culinary experience, dedicated to one of the most beloved gastronomic creations: authentic Neapolitan pizza.
For three days, pizza lovers will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of this iconic dish, prepared by master pizzaioli from Naples, the world capital of pizza. The festival combines culinary demonstrations, professional competitions and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.
On June 21 and 22, between 13:00 PM and 22:00 PM, Ferdinand Square will come alive with live demonstrations by eight professional pizzaioli, members of the APN. They will share with the public traditional Neapolitan pizza preparation techniques, from kneading the dough to baking it perfectly in special ovens. Visitors will be able to enjoy freshly prepared pizza, along with artisanal drinks, while enjoying interactive culinary shows, thematic stands and sessions dedicated to gastronomy enthusiasts. The atmosphere will be completed by live concerts and DJ sets, transforming the festival into a true celebration of taste and good mood.
Competitions and excellence
June 23rd is reserved for professionals in the field, with a landmark event: National Neapolitan Pizza Championship – Pizza Cup RomaniaOrganized under the aegis of APN, this competition will bring together the most talented pizza chefs in the country, who will compete to get a place in the finals. Trofeo Caputo – World Neapolitan Pizza Championship, which will take place in 2026, in Naples. The competition will be supervised by an international jury made up of experts from Italy, Croatia and Slovenia, who will evaluate each pizza according to the strict criteria of the Neapolitan tradition.
Also on June 23, interested professionals will be able to participate in an exclusive masterclass, led by official APN instructors. The workshop will address in detail the authentic dough preparation techniques, traditional baking methods and international standards that define a true Neapolitan pizza. Registration for the championship and masterclass is open, and those interested can find details on the official event website.
A celebration of Neapolitan tradition
The Art of Pizza is not just a culinary festival, but also a celebration of the Neapolitan gastronomic heritage. Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani, the main organizer of the event, is a globally recognized authority dedicated to preserving and promoting the original standards of Neapolitan pizza. Through this festival, APN brings to Romania not only the authentic taste of pizza, but also a story about passion, craftsmanship and respect for tradition.
Oradea thus becomes, for three days, a meeting point for gastronomy lovers and industry professionals, offering an experience that combines the flavors of Italy with Romanian hospitality. Whether you are a curious gourmet or a culinary art enthusiast, L'Arte della Pizza – Festa della Pizza Napoletana invites you to discover the magic of a pizza made with soul.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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