Neapolitan pizza continues to speak to the world, confirming itself not only as a gastronomic product but as a true universal cultural language. 2026 opens with a packed agenda for the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), which kicks off the year with a strong focus on education, training and digital innovation, without losing sight of the social dimension that has always accompanied the Neapolitan art of pizza making.
The first major step is the launch of the new online platform dedicated to Vera Pizza Day. The historic celebration of Neapolitan pizza is presented in a completely renewed format, designed to bring together in a single digital hub masterclasses, talks and content created all over the world. From January 17 to 31, by visiting the official portal, users will be able to access all the event’s materials, available in eight languages: Italian, English, Spanish, French, Polish, Turkish, Filipino and Japanese. A new format aimed at strengthening the sense of belonging within the international pizza community and encouraging the sharing of knowledge, making tradition increasingly accessible and contemporary.
January 17 also coincides with the Feast of Saint Anthony (Sant’Antuono), a celebration deeply rooted in Neapolitan culture. On this occasion, AVPN reinforces the social value of pizza with the initiative “Pizze della Solidarietà” (Pizzas of Solidarity). At the Association’s headquarters in Naples, master pizzaioli will bake hundreds of pizzas in support of the Caritas Diocesana di Napoli, reaffirming the profound bond between pizza, community and sharing.
“Vera Pizza Day represents much more than a celebration for us: it is the moment when the Neapolitan pizza community comes together, tells its story and looks collectively to the future of the sector,” explains Antonio Pace, President of AVPN. “With this new edition, we wanted to strengthen our commitment to promoting the social value of pizza and our craft, through communication that is increasingly international and accessible, capable of reinforcing the sense of belonging to our Association. For this very reason, on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Anthony, we wanted to reaffirm how Neapolitan pizza has always belonged to the dimension of giving, representing a gesture of sharing and connection.”
Alongside its digital and charitable initiatives, AVPN will also return as a key player at SIGEP World in Rimini, scheduled from January 16 to 20. The fair will host a rich calendar of meetings and educational moments dedicated to exploring the challenges and future prospects of the pizza sector. Topics will range from marketing techniques applied to pizza with Renato Bosco, to the evolution of the pizzaiolo profession with Franco Pepe, and the new international frontiers of the industry, with a special focus on India, the guest country of the 2026 edition.
There will also be a full day dedicated to “100% Campania Neapolitan Pizza,” offering pizzaioli and industry professionals an opportunity to discuss how the connection to territory, supply chains and respect for tradition are key elements in protecting authenticity and excellence in an increasingly global landscape.
Through digital innovation, social commitment and its presence at major industry events, AVPN once again confirms its role as guardian and promoter of a heritage that continues to evolve, remaining faithful to its roots while consciously opening up to the world.
