CIKETI – Iconic Food, Veneto Cicchetto Festival
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 Veneto cicchetto, debuting in Cittadella, in the province of Padua. For three evenings, the streets and squares of the walled center will be filled with aromas and colors thanks to a large, widespread tasting route.
A journey into Veneto's flavors
Along the route, you'll find a wide variety of cicchetti inspired by tradition: from creamed 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 pairings with salmon, avocado, grilled polenta, fried mozzarella, hard-boiled eggs, and marinated sardines. A map of flavors that tells the gastronomic soul of the Veneto region.
Seven DJs under the walls
The gastronomy is complemented by a rich musical program: seven DJ sets spread across 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 center, 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 the local businesses in the center, which remain open late into the evening. During the festival evenings, it is also possible to visit the rampart walk along the walls, 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 historic walled center hosts a large, widespread tasting route dedicated to the Veneto cicchetto, with seven DJ sets spread across the three days.
The opening night on June 4th features Joe T Vannelli, accompanied by Max Minetto. The musical program intensifies from Thursday to Saturday. During the evenings, it's possible to visit the rampart walk along the walls.
Programme CIKETI Cittadella 2026
Thursday, June 4th (6:00 PM – 1:00 AM)
- Opening of the cicchetti tasting route
- 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 center
- 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 (a total of 7 DJs over the three evenings)
- Evening visits to the walls 9:00 PM–11:00 PM (€5)
Among the cicchetti offered: creamed cod, stockfish, beef tartare with egg, meat/fish/vegetable meatballs, mortadella with sweet and sour peppers, Venetian-style octopus, and pairings 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 route of Veneto cicchetti; the evening visits to the rampart walk.
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 center 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