Fritto Misto all'Italiana

Fritto Misto all'Italiana, ten days of crispiness in Ascoli Piceno

Every spring, Ascoli Piceno, in the heart of southern Marche, transforms into the undisputed kingdom of fried food. Fritto Misto all'Italiana is one of the longest-standing and most beloved food and wine events in Central Italy: for ten days, between late April and early May, the city dedicates an entire festival to a gesture as ancient and popular as few others, frying, presented in all its regional and international variations.

Ascolane olives and much more

The symbolic dish of Ascoli, the stuffed and fried Ascolana del Piceno olive, is naturally the star of the show, but the exhibition is a journey through the fried specialties of all of Italy: Sicilian arancini, Neapolitan cuoppo, Adriatic fried fish, Abruzzese fried cheese, panzerotti, supplì, and also sweet fritters, doughnuts, and baked goods. A section is also dedicated to international fried dishes, from British fish & chips to offerings from other gastronomic traditions, because the festival illustrates how frying is one of the most shared culinary languages in the world.

The Palafritto and the taste areas

The heart of the event is the Palafritto, the large covered structure housing the tasting stands. In recent years, the exhibition has been enhanced with new themed areas: spaces dedicated to cotoletta and grilled meat, and the new "Pic nic a Fritto Misto" area with barbecues and regional meats. Special attention is given to those with intolerances: the Gluten Free section, created in collaboration with AIC Marche, guarantees safe and certified dishes.

Not just food: talks, culture, and sustainability

Alongside tastings, the program features show cooking with chefs and producers, conferences, documentary screenings, and talks on topics such as inland areas, rural development, food waste reduction, and European policies. An event that, while remaining deeply popular and convivial, intertwines gastronomic tradition, local culture, and reflection on the future.

An event that is part of the identity of the Piceno region

Promoted with the support of the Marche Region and the Municipality of Ascoli Piceno, Fritto Misto all'Italiana is now a fixed event on the Marche spring calendar, attracting thousands of visitors each year to the city's historic travertine center, between Piazza del Popolo and its renowned squares. A perfect opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating art cities in the Marche, combining taste, conviviality, and local culture.