Ascolana Fried Mixed Grill Festival

A festival dedicated to the king of the Piceno table

The Ascolana Fried Mixed Grill Festival is one of the most beloved summer gastronomic events in Cossignano, a hilltop village of just over a thousand inhabitants overlooking the Tesino Valley, in the province of Ascoli Piceno (Marche). For a few evenings in August, the village gathers around the dish that more than any other tells the identity of Piceno: the Ascolana mixed fried dish, a symphony of crunchy flavors that has made this corner of Marche famous far beyond regional borders.

Where and when

The festival takes place in Piazzale Europa, the square at the entrance to the historic center of Cossignano, easily accessible and with ample space for food stalls and a stage. The event, with a long tradition, is carefully organized by the volunteers of the Pro Loco Cossinea, the true soul of the village's community life. The kitchen opens every evening around 7:30 PM and continues until late at night, while the entertainment program begins after dinner.

The menu: stuffed olives and much more

The absolute star is, of course, the Ascolana olive, the large, tender olive stuffed with meat, breaded, and fried, the undisputed queen of Piceno fried dishes. Alongside it, the traditional dish offers a true triumph of deliciousness:

• Fried cremini, cubes of set and breaded custard, a sweet counterpoint to the savory olive
• Battered vegetables: zucchini, mushrooms, onion rings, and seasonal vegetables
• Fried meat and cheese bites
• A house first course to start the meal
• Dry biscuits from local bakeries to finish

Everything is accompanied by the region's native wines — Pecorino, Passerina, and Rosso Piceno — produced by local wineries in the DOCG, DOC, and IGT designations, expressions of the wine-growing landscape surrounding Cossignano.

Music and shows under the stars

The festival is not just about good food: every evening features live musical entertainment, with bands and groups animating Piazzale Europa until late at night, alternating concert moments with cabaret and comedy shows. It's the classic formula of a Marchigiana village festival, where different generations gather around tables to eat, toast, and dance together.

Cossignano, a village to discover

Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover Cossignano, defined as the "Navel of Piceno" for its central position between the sea and mountains. The village retains medieval walls, quiet alleys, and a beautiful view of the hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves. The Ascolana Fried Mixed Grill Festival remains one of the most authentic ways to experience the Marche summer: no tourist veneer, just the genuine hospitality of a community that puts the best of its tradition on the table.