Festa del Bacalà alla Vicentina
The symbol of Vicenza on a plate celebrates in Sandrigo
About Festa del Bacalà
The baccalà alla vicentina takes centre stage
The Festa del Bacalà alla Vicentina is the grand food and wine festival in Sandrigo, in the province of Vicenza, dedicated to the region's signature dish. Baccalà alla vicentina — prepared using only stockfish from Lofoten, following the recipe of the Venerabile Confraternita del Bacalà — is a specialty made from dried fish from the Norwegian islands, slow-cooked with milk, oil, and onions. The festival, organised by Pro Sandrigo, is one of the quality sagre (traditional festivals) recognised by UNPLI.
Querini, stockfish, and the Via Querinissima
The history of cod in Sandrigo dates back to the journey of the Venetian merchant Pietro Querini who, shipwrecked in 1432 on the Lofoten Islands, discovered stockfish and brought it to the Veneto region. This connection gave rise to the Via Querinissima, the route retracing his journey home, now recognised as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. The festival celebrates this history with exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events.
Tastings, market, and shows
For several days, the Area Parco 3000 and Piazza SS. Filippo e Giacomo host food stalls offering baccalà alla vicentina and many other dishes: handmade ravioli, potato gnocchi, bigoli pasta, risotto, gourmet pizza, as well as vegetarian, gluten-free, and children's options. The Arte e Sapori (Art and Flavours) market fills the streets with dozens of exhibitors, while the stage features tribute concerts to music legends. A festival that combines taste, culture, and entertainment in the Vicenza region.
Festa del Bacalà — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 39th Festa del Bacalà alla Vicentina, takes place in Sandrigo over two weekends, from September 17 to 20 and September 24 to 28, at Area Parco 3000 and Piazza SS. Filippo e Giacomo. This year's theme, chosen by the Accademia Italiana della Cucina (Italian Academy of Cuisine), is dedicated to cod, stockfish, and other preserved fish in regional tradition. The festival is enhanced by preview events, exhibitions, and cultural moments linked to Pietro Querini's journey and the Via Querinissima.
Programme Festa del Bacalà 2026
Preview Events
- Friday, August 29 — Bacco & Bacalà at Villa Masciarelli: aperitif with stockfish cicchetti (small bites)
- Tuesday, September 15 — Gran Galà del Bacalà: menu dedicated to Querini's European journey
First Weekend: September 17-20
- Opening of the food stalls at Area Parco 3000
- Sunday, September 21 — Riso… Ti Amo: four variations of risotto
Second Weekend: September 24-28
- Food stalls with baccalà alla vicentina (Lofoten PGI stockfish) and specialties: ravioli, gnocchi, bigoli, risotto, gourmet pizza, vegetarian, gluten-free, and children's options
- Arte e Sapori market on the weekend, with over 60 exhibitors
- Photographic exhibition on Querini's journey at Villa Sesso Schiavo (September 24-29)
- Guided tours of villas and oratories in Sandrigo
- Thursday, September 25 — Notes on the Via Querinissima: musical performance
- Tribute concerts to music legends (Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson, 883)
Highlights Festa del Bacalà 2026
Prices Festa del Bacalà 2026
Practical information — Festa del Bacalà
How to get there
Sandrigo is located about 12 km north of Vicenza. By car, take the SP248 or the A31 motorway (Dueville exit). By train, the Vicenza station offers bus connections. Events take place at Area Parco 3000 and Piazza SS. Filippo e Giacomo.
When
In September, over several days (in 2026: September 17-20 and 24-28). Free admission, food and drinks payable at the stalls.
Information
Pro Sandrigo, official website festadelbaccala.com. Preview events at other locations (Bacco & Bacalà, Gran Galà del Bacalà).
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Where does it take place — Festa del Bacalà
Area Parco 3000 e Piazza SS. Filippo e Giacomo, Sandrigo
Piazza SS. Filippo e Giacomo, 36066 Sandrigo