Fish Festival

A seaside festival in the heart of Vasto

The Fish Festival is one of the gastronomic highlights that mark the end of summer in Vasto, a city on the Trabocchi Coast in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. The festival takes place in Piazza Alcide De Gasperi, in the heart of the so-called Zone 167, the populous San Paolo district. For two evenings, the neighborhood square transforms into a large open-air kitchen run by volunteers from the local neighborhood committee.

Adriatic fish takes center stage

The star of the festival is fried fish: anchovies, squid, baby cuttlefish, and crispy mixed fry served in paper cones, alongside other seafood specialties passed down through generations of Vasto fishermen. Vasto is, after all, the home of the famous brodetto alla vastese (in local dialect lu vrudàtte), a fish stew cooked whole without sautéing or potatoes, featuring fresh tomatoes, garlic, green peppers, and parsley—a recipe officially registered with the Italian Academy of Cuisine. The festival brings this maritime culture to the square in a popular and convivial setting.

A celebration of community and solidarity

More than just a food festival, the event is a moment of gathering for the entire San Paolo district. In the 2025 edition, the proceeds were dedicated to a charitable and civic cause: the creation of a bust dedicated to judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, to be placed in the municipal park already named in their honor. It is a testament to the bond between the festival and the local community's commitment.

Atmosphere and program

Stands open from 8:00 PM, and the evening continues with banquet tables, live music, and the entertainment typical of Abruzzo neighborhood festivals. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is designed for families and those looking to experience the most authentic side of Vasto, away from the summer nightlife spotlights but rich in flavor and human warmth.

• Where: Piazza Alcide De Gasperi, Zone 167, San Paolo district, Vasto (CH)
• When: First weekend of September
• Specialties: Fried fish and traditional Vasto seafood dishes
• Admission: Free, stands open from 8:00 PM

The Fish Festival is the ideal opportunity to discover the most genuine side of Vasto and enjoy Adriatic fish in a festive, popular setting, just a few kilometers from the seafront and the award-winning beaches of the Abruzzo Riviera.