Chioggia Fish Festival

The Chioggia Fish Festival is one of the most popular gastronomic events in the Veneto region, a celebration of the city’s seafaring tradition and the authentic flavours of the lagoon. The 87th edition will take place from 10 to 19 July in the heart of Chioggia’s historic centre, along Corso del Popolo, with stands open every evening from 6.30 pm.

Established in 1938, the event pays tribute to the work of fishermen and the rich local gastronomic culture. For ten evenings, the historic centre is transformed into a large open-air restaurant where associations and volunteers prepare the most traditional recipes of Chioggia cuisine, handed down from generation to generation.

Among the star dishes are sarde in saor (sardines in sauce), fritto misto con polenta (mixed fried fish with polenta), bibarasse in cassopipa (clams cooked according to local tradition), seppie in umido con polenta (stewed cuttlefish with polenta) and grilled fresh fish, accompanied by other specialities from the sea and the lagoon. Each course tells the story of the deep connection between Chioggia and fishing, one of the city’s most important activities.

The Fish Festival is not just about food, but also a time for people to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Amidst the lights of the historic centre and the lively atmosphere of summer evenings, locals and visitors gather to share music, traditions and flavours in a unique setting, just a stone’s throw from the Venetian lagoon.

Taking part in the Fish Festival means immersing yourself in the true soul of Chioggia: a seaside town where culture, cuisine and tradition come together in one of the most authentic and popular festivals in the area.