CIKETI – Iconic Food, Festival del Cicchetto Veneto
Three nights of cicchetti and DJ sets within the medieval walls
About CIKETI Cittadella
The cicchetto becomes a festival
The cicchetto — the small snack that accompanies a glass of wine in Venetian bàcari — is the star of CIKETI – Iconic Food, the first national festival dedicated to the Venetian cicchetto, debuting in Cittadella, in the province of Padua. For three evenings, the streets and squares of the walled centre come alive with aromas and colours thanks to a large, widespread tasting experience.
A journey into Venetian taste
Along the trail, you'll find a wide variety of cicchetti inspired by tradition: from creamed salt cod (baccalà mantecato) to stockfish in its various preparations, from beef tartare with egg to meat, fish, and vegetable meatballs, from mortadella with sweet and sour green peppers to Venetian-style octopus, up to combinations with salmon, avocado, grilled polenta, fried mozzarella, hard-boiled eggs, and marinated sardines. A map of flavours that tells the gastronomic soul of the Veneto region.
Seven DJs under the walls
A rich musical programme accompanies the gastronomy: seven DJ sets spread over the three evenings, with increasing intensity from Thursday to Saturday. The opening night features a renowned name from the Italian house scene, accompanied by a second DJ, while the historic centre, pedestrianized for the occasion, becomes a large open-air dance floor under the medieval walls.
A local initiative
CIKETI is born from the synergy between Vivi Cittadella, Confcommercio, and the Municipality of Cittadella, with the involvement of local businesses in the centre, which remain open until late. During the festival evenings, it is also possible to visit the rampart walkway, to admire the illuminated city from above.
CIKETI Cittadella — edition 2026
The first edition of CIKETI – Iconic Food enlivens Cittadella from June 4th to 6th, 2026. For three evenings, the pedestrianized walled historic centre hosts a large widespread tasting experience dedicated to the Venetian cicchetto, with seven DJ sets spread over the three days.
The opening night on June 4th features Joe T Vannelli, accompanied by Max Minetto. The musical programme intensifies from Thursday to Saturday. During the evenings, it's possible to visit the rampart walkway.
Programme CIKETI Cittadella 2026
Thursday, June 4th (6:00 PM – 1:00 AM)
- Opening of the cicchetti tasting trail
- DJ set with Joe T Vannelli and Max Minetto
- Evening visits to the walls 9:00 PM–11:00 PM (€5)
Friday, June 5th (6:00 PM – 2:00 AM)
- Widespread cicchetti tasting in the centre
- Evening DJ sets
- Evening visits to the walls 9:00 PM–11:00 PM (€5)
Saturday, June 6th (5:00 PM – 2:00 AM)
- Cicchetti tasting and main event
- Evening DJ sets (7 DJs in total over the three evenings)
- Evening visits to the walls 9:00 PM–11:00 PM (€5)
Among the cicchetti offered: creamed salt cod, stockfish, beef tartare with egg, meat/fish/vegetable meatballs, mortadella with sweet and sour peppers, Venetian-style octopus, and combinations with salmon, avocado, grilled polenta, fried mozzarella, hard-boiled eggs, and marinated sardines.
Highlights CIKETI Cittadella 2026
Joe T Vannelli on the opening night of June 4th; the seven DJ sets under the walls; the tasting trail of Venetian cicchetti; the evening visits to the rampart walkway.
Prices CIKETI Cittadella 2026
Practical information — CIKETI Cittadella
How to get there
Cittadella is in the province of Padua. By car from the A4 (Grisignano di Zocco exit) or A31; by train, Cittadella station is on the Padua-Bassano del Grappa line. During the festival, the historic centre is pedestrianized.
Opening hours
Thursday 6:00 PM–1:00 AM; Friday 6:00 PM–2:00 AM; Saturday 5:00 PM–2:00 AM. Evening visits to the walls from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM at a cost of 5 euros.
Contacts
Initiative by Vivi Cittadella and Confcommercio with the Municipality of Cittadella — info on the Pro Cittadella Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — CIKETI Cittadella
Centro storico murato di Cittadella
Centro storico, Cittadella, 35013 Cittadella