Comacchio Eel Festival

A feast dedicated to the queen of the Valleys

The Comacchio Eel Festival is one of the most anticipated food and wine events in Emilia-Romagna: for three weekends between September and October, the historic centre of the Municipality of Comacchio, in the province of Ferrara, pays homage to eel, the identity product of the Valleys and the entire Po Delta. As the symbolic fish of the valley culture, eel has been at the heart of the economy and traditions of this lagoon territory for centuries, where the historic Manifattura dei Marinati still preserves its processing and preservation techniques today.

Three weekends of taste in the historic centre

The event unfolds along Via Edgardo Fogli and extends across the bridges and canals of the so-called "little Venice", from the famous Trepponti to the Manifattura dei Marinati. Every Saturday and Sunday, from morning to evening, the streets and squares are filled with food stalls, typical market stalls, artisan products, and artistic creations.

• Food stalls with marinated and grilled eel, as well as fish from the Valleys and the Adriatic Sea
• Widespread dining in the shops and restaurants of the centre
• Show cooking and masterclasses with chefs and guests from the culinary world
• Market with typical products, crafts, and stalls along the streets

Culture, music, and excursions

Alongside the gastronomic aspect, the Festival offers a rich calendar of cultural and entertainment events: evening concerts in the squares, shows, exhibitions, literary reviews, and meetings. There are also excursions in the Comacchio Valleys, by boat or bicycle, to discover a unique landscape of canals, fishing huts, and birdlife, and guided tours of the city's museums and monuments. There is also space for families, with activities and workshops for children.

An event of tradition and identity of the Delta

Part of the Po Delta Park, the Eel Festival is more than just a food festival: it is an opportunity to rediscover the history of Comacchio, its valley civilization, and the deep connection between the community and water. The event, with free admission, is organized by the Municipality of Comacchio and represents one of the highlights of the autumn tourist season on the Ferrara coast.