Baccalà di Montelparo — Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot

A Tradition Dating Back to 1703

In the heart of the village of Montelparo, in the province of Fermo, one of the oldest and most distinctive gastronomic festivals in the Marche region is celebrated every year: the distribution of cod in honor of Saint Anthony Abbot. The history dates back to 1703, when the Augustinian Friars offered a cod-based lunch to the villagers to thank them for their valuable help in rebuilding the convent, destroyed by a landslide in 1683 and then by the earthquake in 1703. Since then, the tradition has never been interrupted: over three centuries of history make this festival a true intangible heritage of the Piceno territory.

Cod and 'U Coppu'

The absolute star is cod, cooked by the Committee of Saint Anthony Abbot, an association composed exclusively of men and formally established in 1860, after the friars' departure. The recipe, passed down orally from generation to generation, is prepared in large quantities: in recent editions, about 18 quintals of cod have been cooked for over 8,000 portions. The fish is served in the traditional portion called 'U Coppu' (about 300-350 grams), accompanied by bread and a dedicated wine, the Marche Bianco IGP 'O vi' de u coppu', produced exclusively for the event.

Faith, Procession, and Blessing of Animals

The festival intertwines gastronomy and devotion. On Sunday, at the end of the 11:00 AM Holy Mass in the parish church, the statue of Saint Anthony Abbot is carried in procession by the members of the Committee through the village streets, to the parvis of the Church of Sant'Agostino, where the traditional blessing of animals takes place, a symbol of the Saint's protection. Saint Anthony Abbot has indeed been the protector of domestic animals and livestock for centuries.

Market, Music, and Culture

Along the historic center runs the Cod Market, with exhibitions of crafts, hobbies, and local typical products, enlivened by musical events and side activities. Among the cultural events is also the conference dedicated to cod and local oils. The tasting in the marquees set up in the squares is managed by the youth association 'Il Chiostro', demonstrating the collaboration between the different generations of the village.

A Village to Discover

Montelparo is a small municipality in the Province of Fermo, in the Marche region, located on a ridge between the valleys of the Aso and Ete rivers. The feast of Saint Anthony Abbot, in the heart of winter, is the ideal opportunity to discover the medieval streets of the village, warm up with a steaming plate of cod, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of authentic Marche tradition.