Every year on 8 March, Italian women get together to celebrate La Festa della Donna. Known globally as International Women’s Day, in Italy the festival has its own particular traditions and associations. This year, Claudio Gottardo has come up with a special menu to be served on 8 March at Cantina del Ponte to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Why Marie Curie?

In Italy, the symbol of La Festa della Donna is the yellow mimosa flower [see picture below], which men traditionally present to the special women in their lives. Italian feminists chose the mimosa as a symbol of the holiday in 1946, soon after the end of the First World War. It was chosen for its bright, cheerful colour and fragrant scent, plus the fact it is in bloom and relatively inexpensive.

In the UK, the yellow daffodil heralds spring and is also the symbol of Marie Curie Cancer Care, making it a British alternative to the mimosa.

Claudio’s La Festa della Donna menu…

It was important to come up with a menu that is both light and traditional, according to Claudio, who comes from the town of Udine in Friuli, northeast Italy. Freshly baked torta mimosa (see main above), branzino al sale or seabass baked in salt and tagliolini al salmone e fiori de zucchina or tagliolini with salmon and courgette flowers are some of the dishes he’ll be whipping up on 8 March.

What happens in Italy?

Women head out together for dinner or a night on the town. Claudio explains that, at home in Italy, the women in his family would go out for pizza and to dance. Originally, the date was set by female workers and intended as an expression of female solidarity. Today, it has become more commercial but is still about showing solidarity with female friends and family members. Basically, a great excuse to head out and eat some delicious Italian food.

Further information

Find out more about the event on 8 March and or try Claudio’s recipe for a classic risotto alla Parmigiano or Parmesan risotto.