World Bee Day will be celebrated on Saturday 18 May in Valle d’Aosta.
World Day occurs on May 20, the birth day of Anton Janša (1734-1773), who pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in Slovenia in the 18th century, a country that promoted the celebration and recognized these insects for their ability to work while requiring very little attention at the same time.
World Bee Day in Valle d’Aosta
Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Aosta Valley Bee Consortium Association and the Municipality of Châtillon, the Day includes a program of initiatives aimed at the general public, families and sector workers, which will be held on Saturday 18 May, between Châtillon, the only Honey City in the Aosta Valley, and Fénis.
The program
Châtillon on the occasion of the Honey Festival
In Châtillon, in the courtyard of the former Hôtel Londres, from 10.30am to 2pm, guided visits to the Honey Museum are scheduled to learn about the work tools of the past and the evolution of processing techniques.
On this occasion, tastings of local honeys will be offered.
From 1pm to 4pm, in Piazza Volontari del Sangue, a workshop for children will take place, with the creation of honey flower seed bombs to be thrown into public green areas to create bee-friendly flower beds.
In Fénis, in the Tzanté de Bouva area, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, recreational and educational activities on bees aimed at children and families: “The little hive: creative workshops, face painting and entertainment”; “Discover the world of bees” and “Sur le dos d’une beille, un voyage parmi les fleurs et les insectes pollinisateurs”.
At 5.30pm guided tasting of some honeys from the Aosta Valley curated by Lucia Piana, one of the leading Italian experts in honey analysis.
The meeting will focus on discovering the peculiarities of mountain honey and their quality.
At the end, aperitif with local products paired with honey from the Aosta Valley.
To participate in the guided tasting and Apericena, make reservations at [email protected] or 0165/275215 or 275219.
Delivery of certificates
On the occasion of World Bee Day which Valel d’Aosta will celebrate on Saturday 18 May, at 4pm, again in the Tzanté de Bouva area, certificates will be delivered to the 36 students who attended the recently concluded basic beekeeping course, organized by Valle d’Aosta Bee Consortium Association in collaboration with the department, and to reward the winners of the 2nd photographic competition “Beekeeping: bees, honey and territory”, organized by the Consortium.
The numbers of Aosta Valley beekeeping
Aosta Valley beekeeping has 601 employees for a total of 9,121 hives (Bdn api data as of 31 December 2023).
Over the years, the department reports, the professionalism of the workers, the diversification and the quality of the product has grown.
The excellent quality of Valle d’Aosta honeys is confirmed by the awards obtained by beekeepers at the annual competition for the best honeys of the Aosta Valley, organized by the Department and the Consortium, which will celebrate its 30th edition this year and whose awards ceremony takes place every year in Châtillon on the occasion of the Honey Festival (this year scheduled for 26 and 27 October).
(re.aostanews.it)
