Festa della Vongola

The festival that tells the story of Falconara by the sea

The Festa della Vongola is the summer festival that, in August, transforms Parco Kennedy in Falconara Marittima into a large gastronomic and popular village. Created to bring Falconara's residents closer to a symbolic resource of their territory and to enhance its connection with maritime tradition, the event is promoted by the Municipality of Falconara and organised by the Laboratorio IRIDE Arte e Spettacolo, in collaboration with the Pro Loco Falconamare and the Confartigianato of the province of Ancona.

Clams on the table

The absolute star is the clam, the queen of a menu that draws heavily from Adriatic seafood cuisine. At the stalls, you can enjoy spaghetti with clams, clams in guazzetto (stew), fish sauces, mixed fried fish, seafood salad, and other specialties of Falconara's maritime tradition. Service is available both buffet-style and at tables, in a convivial atmosphere accessible to all.

Music, shows, and market

Alongside the gastronomy, each evening offers a different programme: live music and dance orchestras, liscio and swing nights, theatre performances, comedy shows, and entertainment moments on the park's stage. There is also a craft market, a corner dedicated to local wines, and a play area with entertainment and inflatables designed for children, set within the park's greenery.

The Palio delle Batàne and the Corsa della Concola

The most anticipated and iconic moment is the Palio delle Batàne, a race between the typical fishermen's boats that takes place along the Falconara coastline, a direct reference to the city's fishing history. In recent editions, the Corsa della Concola has also been added: an obstacle race where participants run through the neighbourhood streets carrying a sack with kilos of clams and sand – a playful tribute to the hard work of the maritime trade.

A Marche summer event

Included in the summer festival calendar of the Marche Region and the province of Ancona, the Festa della Vongola is a free, family-friendly event, perfect for those staying on the Adriatic coast during the hottest days of summer. Between a plate of spaghetti and an evening of music, it's the ideal opportunity to discover the identity of Falconara Marittima and its ancient relationship with the sea.