The new year starts in full swing for the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) with an exciting lineup of events.
Leading the charge is the highly anticipated “Vera Pizza Day“, a non-stop celebration of pizza and its cultural significance that spans continents. As tradition has it, the event coincides with the feast of Sant’Antonio Abate, the beloved patron saint of pizza makers.
The global 24-hour journey will begin at midnight on Friday, January 17. Shortly after, AVPN will mark the start by lighting the traditional Saint Anthony fire at its headquarters in Capodimonte, Naples.
Neapolitan pizza: a UNESCO Heritage
Pizza is one of Italy’s most recognised symbols worldwide—arguably the most recognised. In 2010, the European Union granted it the status of Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG). In 2017, UNESCO declared the “art of Neapolitan pizza making” an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The origins of Vera Pizza Day
January 17 marks the feast of pizza makers and the “World Pizza Makers’ Day”. Officially established in 2018, this day celebrates recognising the “art of Neapolitan pizza making” as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana conceived the initiative. The date coincides with the feast day of Saint Anthony Abate, also known as the “Fire Saint,” who patronises various fire-related professions, including pizza makers.
Vera Pizza Day: 2025 edition
This year’s Vera Pizza Day will span 19 countries, including newcomers Qatar and the Philippines. AVPN will broadcast 22 live masterclasses on its YouTube channel (@pizzanapoletanaverace) during a full day dedicated to pizza, uniting all continents. Among the highlights is the eagerly awaited masterclass with scientists from the Concordia Base in Antarctica.
“We can proudly say,” shared Antonio Pace, President of AVPN, “that our brainchild, the Vera Pizza Day, has truly become a global event, a cornerstone for the entire community of pizza makers and lovers across all continents. A unique format that, with each edition, brings together master artisans of the craft and millions of enthusiasts, underscoring pizza’s importance as a symbol of global connection.”
