Antraccoli Fried Fish and Salt Cod Festival

A village festival in the heart of the Lucca plain

The Antraccoli Fried Fish and Salt Cod Festival is one of the most cherished events in the village of Antraccoli, located at the gates of Lucca, in Tuscany. For two weekends in June, the festival grounds on Via Vecchi Pardini become the village's main meeting point: families, friends, and visitors from neighboring towns gather at long tables to enjoy fresh fish and dance the night away. It is a classic Italian community celebration where authentic cuisine meets live music and local spirit.

Fish takes center stage

The heart of the festival is, naturally, the seafood kitchen. The food stalls, run by volunteers from the Associazione Paesana La Biribaola, tirelessly serve their famous mixed fried seafood and salt cod, the true icons of the event. Alongside these signature dishes, you will find traditional maritime specialties such as octopus soup, peppered mussels, seafood spaghetti, and cacciucco, as well as grilled options. Everything is prepared fresh, with generous portions at affordable, family-friendly prices.

Music and ballroom dancing every night

The Antraccoli Festival is about more than just great food: every evening is brought to life by orchestras and bands that keep the dance floor packed. Ballroom dancing (ballo liscio) is a true institution here, with a rotating program of concerts and DJ sets each night, ranging from traditional dance orchestras to modern performances. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscan summer festival, where you dine outdoors and dance under the stars.

A local Lucca tradition

The event is organized by the Associazione Paesana La Biribaola, a volunteer group that has been the lifeblood of Antraccoli's social scene for years. The festival is the highlight of the year for the village: proceeds support the association's activities and community projects. For those visiting the Province of Lucca in early summer, it is a genuine way to discover the hospitality of the Lucca plain, far from the typical tourist circuits and immersed in true village life.