It was probably the Celts who introduced pig farming into Emilia Romagna.

The abundance of oak trees meant their animals could eat and eat their favourite acorns, and so the roots for Parma ham and today's huge salumi industry were laid.

The Gallic tribes settled well and unlike the Romans, who tended to build compact urban settlements, the Celts dispersed into the countryside and helped promote a common tongue and politic.

The history of Italy might have been very different if the Roman legions hadn't defeated the coalition of Boi, Taurisci, Insubri Taurini and Gesati at Talamone in 225BC.

The Gallic alliance was well over 50,000 men. More than Alexander had taken to conquer Asia 100 years before.

The sausages would have been the same though.

The town of Langhirano is at the heart of the Prosciutto di Parma area and every year (usually in the first week end of September), together with other villages in the area, the "Festival del Prosciutto" is held.

The festival's main event is "Finestre Aperte" and many prosciutto factories are open to public.

You can take a guided tour to see how pigs' legs are treated and seasoned to become Prosciutto di Parma, as well as having a chance to taste as much salumi as you can take.

More Celt and Celtic influence in Italy.

Parma Golosa ham and cheese factory visits