L'Alice di Anzio - Sea and Traditions Festival

A festival dedicated to the anchovy, symbol of Anzio

L'Alice di Anzio - Sea and Traditions Festival is the event that celebrates the anchovy, the oily fish that has shaped the maritime history of Anzio, a coastal town in the Metropolitan City of Rome, in the Lazio region. Launched in 2025, the festival transforms the town center into a path that blends storytelling and flavor, between the historic Piazza Pia and Piazza Garibaldi, to rediscover the maritime identity of the town and a humble yet precious local product.

The story of the sea and fishing

The cultural heart of the festival gives a voice to those who sail the coastal waters every day. The fishermen of Anzio demonstrate traditional and modern techniques for catching anchovies, from the 'manaide' and 'lampare' to contemporary methods. There is also a focus on the city's maritime memory: from the evolution of boats to preservation methods passed down through time, in a dialogue between associations, sailing clubs, and local entities.

Culture, memory, and gastronomy

The program combines different themes into a single event:

• Photo exhibition dedicated to the city and its maritime identity, inaugurated in collaboration with the Anzio Landing Museum;
• Fishermen's testimonials on the arts of anchovy fishing;
• Masterclasses by the Hotel Management Institute on anchovies and oily fish in the diet;
• Tastings of local products, from cheeses to regional wine;
• Live music to accompany the evening.

The flavors of the anchovy on the table

When the sun sets, the festival moves to Piazza Garibaldi, where Anzio's restaurateurs offer signature local seafood dishes: from 'reginette' pasta with anchovies and pecorino cheese to fried anchovy cones, along with stories of recipes and preparation techniques. The oily fish meets the products of Lazio, in a pairing of sea and land that highlights the local gastronomic supply chain.

A free event for the whole community

Promoted by the Municipality of Anzio with the support of local bodies and associations, the festival offers free admission. The first edition, in September 2025, recorded over 2,500 attendees, confirming the deep bond between the town and its sea. An event designed for residents and visitors alike to rediscover the maritime traditions of Anzio and the authentic taste of the anchovy.