The Honey Trail: strengthening Como’s local identity through sustainability

Pedagogy and play in the heart of Como

Held on 12 April 2025 in Piazza Guido Grimoldi and timed with Easter holidays, the first event blended playful and educational activities. Children and families participated in a recycling relay — a game designed to teach waste-sorting skills — and hands-on Easter decoration workshops, guided by three expert facilitators.

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A dedicated promoter team welcomed guests, shared information, and encouraged return participation across the following months.

Environmental celebration and local commerce

The second public moment took place on 24 May 2025, again in Piazza Guido Grimoldi, and coincided with both World Bee Day and the city’s Spring Festival.

It revived the recycling relay and introduced a new territorial marketing initiative: a treasure hunt involving local shops within the DUC (Urban District of Como). This interactive activity not only brought people into stores but also built bridges between environmental awareness and economic sustainability.

The hive as a symbol of collaboration

The final and most ambitious event unfolded on 28 June 2025 in Piazza Perretta. Centred on the metaphor of a beehive, the event represented a community where citizens, like bees, cooperate to create value.

A thematic trail guided participants through local food stands and storytelling corners, culminating in tastings and the sale of artisanal products from the region. A true village fair atmosphere was created, where Como’s producers shared their expertise and attendees celebrated the richness of local tradition.

Music, institutions and carbon awareness

Institutional speeches from Mayor Alessandro Rapinese, Deputy Mayor Nicoletta Roperto and Councillor Chiara Bodero Maccabeo were followed by two music sets — one from a youth band from Como, and another from an events-focused musical group.

Importantly, this event also included a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment based on GHG Protocol standards, analysing transport, energy, and logistics. Thanks to responsible planning and the use of local suppliers, emissions were kept low and will be offset via certified environmental programmes.

Teaching sustainability in schools

Two morning sessions held in Como’s schools expanded the reach of the project by focusing on long-term impact. These workshops delivered a structured environmental education programme, fostering eco-consciousness among the next generation. The collaboration with professional beekeepers ensured technical accuracy and depth across all events.

Media coverage and public impact

The project’s success was also driven by strong communication. Our press office managed the drafting and distribution of press releases, securing coverage in both local and regional media, and culminating in a well-attended final press conference. The broad media reach helped position Como as a city actively committed to sustainability, reinforcing the project’s reputation and effectiveness.

A model for sustainable placemaking

“The Honey Trail” showcases how urban initiatives can be both engaging and transformative. By combining environmental education, support for local businesses, and public engagement, Como has taken a meaningful step toward a sustainable city identity. The event catered to all ages, delivered clear environmental messages, and inspired enthusiasm for future civic projects.

This initiative demonstrates the power of well-crafted, inclusive formats to foster civic pride and behavioral change, while positioning Smart Eventi as a leader in sustainable event planning.

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