Festival of San Vittorio and Anchovy Fair
Anchovies and traditional Ligurian dishes take center stage at the Saint Victor patronal feast in Val Fontanabuona
About Anchovy Fair of Neirone
In Neirone, a village in the Val Fontanabuona in the Genoese hinterland, the Saint Victor Feast is celebrated alongside the Anchovy Festival over a weekend in July. Anchovies are the stars of the show, accompanied by traditional Ligurian specialties—fried anchovies, fish ravioli, and pansotti—while music and dancing enliven the village every evening. This summer event, organized by the local Pro Loco, perfectly blends devotion to the patron saint with the conviviality of fine dining.
Saint Victor and the anchovy in Val Fontanabuona
In Neirone, a municipality within the Metropolitan City of Genoa in the Val Fontanabuona, the patronal feast of Saint Victor is one of the most cherished summer events. Over the years, it has become intertwined with a festival dedicated to a staple of Ligurian cuisine: the anchovy, the queen of oily fish.
A festive weekend
The event takes place over a weekend in July. The highlight is the Anchovy Festival, featuring traditional dishes such as fried anchovies, fish ravioli, and pansotti, a symbol of Ligurian land-based cuisine, all served at the Pro Loco food stands.
Music and community
Every evening, the festival is brought to life by music and dancing, creating a joyful atmosphere that engages both the village and visitors to the valley. Organized by the Pro Loco, the Saint Victor Feast and Anchovy Festival is a wonderful opportunity to discover the Val Fontanabuona and its traditions, where devotion to the patron saint and the pleasure of good food come together in a single celebration.
Anchovy Fair of Neirone — edition 2026
The Saint Victor Festival returns to Neirone on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, 2026, featuring the Anchovy Festival. On Saturday evening, anchovies take center stage; on Sunday, for both lunch and dinner, traditional Ligurian dishes return: fried anchovies, fish ravioli, and pansotti. Every evening features music and dancing, with Caravel on Saturday and Les Crikò on Sunday.
For 2026, the Saint Victor Festival and the Anchovy Festival return to Neirone, in the Fontanabuona Valley, on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. On Saturday night, anchovies are the stars of the evening, accompanied by the music of Caravel; on Sunday, both at lunch and dinner, traditional Ligurian dishes return — fried anchovies, fish ravioli, and pansotti — with the evening dance party hosted by Les Crikò.
On Sunday, July 12, the Rally della Lanterna will pass through the Fontanabuona Valley: for the occasion, the Pro Loco Neirone kitchen will also be open for lunch, ready to welcome spectators and enthusiasts. The festival area is not on the race route and is therefore easily accessible.
Programme Anchovy Fair of Neirone 2026
Program currently being finalized. Structure of the 2026 edition:
- Saturday, July 11 — Anchovy Festival: anchovies featured at dinner, music and dancing with Caravel
- Sunday, July 12 — Lunch and dinner featuring traditional Ligurian dishes (fried anchovies, fish ravioli, pansotti), evening dance party with Les Crikò
Times and details available on the Pro Loco Neirone channels.
Highlights Anchovy Fair of Neirone 2026
Prices Anchovy Fair of Neirone 2026
Practical information — Anchovy Fair of Neirone
How to get there
Neirone can be reached from Chiavari by traveling up the Val Fontanabuona, or from Genoa via the Val Bisagno and the Scoffera pass. These are scenic valley roads.
When
In July, over a weekend (Saturday and Sunday).
Admission
Free. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the Pro Loco stands.
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Where does it take place — Anchovy Fair of Neirone
Neirone
Neirone, Val Fontanabuona, 16040 Neirone