Naples Holds Pizzamaker World Championship

words by Carol King More than 500 pizzaioli (pizza makers) from 47 countries are assembling in Naples to compete in the "Campionato Mondiale del Pizzaiuolo" (Pizzamaker World Championship). The championship is being staged from 3 to 4 September 2013 at a waterfront venue on Via Caracciolo that the organiser says has been transformed into the world’s biggest outdoor pizzeria for the event. There is also an exhibition space dedicated to demonstrations with 4,400 seats and 45 wood-burning ovens. Participants will compete in eight categories and judges evaluate pizzas according to preparation, taste and presentation. The event also stages competitions for the fastest pizza maker, largest pizza, best solo freestyle acrobatics and best acrobatic team. The Pizzamaker World Championship began in 2001. It has proved a popular event and attracted some 300,000 visitors in 2012.