Marzamemi Blue Fish and Tonnara Tuna Festival
Four days dedicated to the sea, maritime culture, and Sicilian gastronomy in the historic Tonnara village
About Marzamemi Blue Fish Festival
A festival in the heart of the Tonnara village
The Marzamemi Blue Fish and Tonnara Tuna Festival is one of the most anticipated food and wine events of the Sicilian summer. It takes place in Marzamemi, a stunning seaside village in the municipality of Pachino, in the province of Syracuse, at the south-eastern tip of Sicily. Organized by the Pro Loco Marzamemi with the patronage of the Municipality of Pachino and the support of the Sicilian Region, the festival promotes maritime culture, the local fishing supply chain, and the ancient tradition of the tonnara (tuna fishery).
The squares and venues of the event
The festival transforms the historic center of Marzamemi into a grand culinary journey. Events are spread across some of the most evocative spots in the village:
- Loggia della Tonnara, the historic heart of ancient tuna fishing;
- Piazza Regina Margherita, the village's living room overlooking the sea;
- Courtyard of the Palazzo dei Principi di Villadorata, host to the most solemn ceremonies;
- Largo Balata, a space dedicated to stands and tastings.
Blue fish and the ritual of red tuna
The absolute stars are blue fish—sardines, anchovies, mackerel, lampuga—and the prized Mediterranean red tuna. The most awaited moment is the Tuna Cutting Ceremony, a spectacular ritual that recalls the ancient practices of the tonnara, accompanied by tastings of red tuna and Val di Noto wines. Along the village streets, you will find stands featuring IGP and DOP local products, photo exhibitions dedicated to fishing traditions, and workshops on preserving blue fish.
Chefs, show cooking, and sea culture
Every year, the festival hosts Sicilian and national chefs engaged in show cooking and guided tastings, featuring prominent names from the island's culinary scene. There are also talks, seminars on biodiversity, sustainable fishing, and the promotion of short supply chains, as well as moments designed for families with workshops and meetings with marine biologists.
Music and evening atmosphere
The evenings conclude with live musical performances ranging from Sicilian tradition to original repertoires, offering visitors a complete experience of flavors, sea, and culture. Strolling through the illuminated alleys of Marzamemi, amidst fishermen's nets and the scent of grilled fish, is an authentic way to experience the truest side of Sicily.
Marzamemi Blue Fish Festival — edition 2026
The 12th edition of the Blue Fish and Tonnara Tuna Festival takes place in Marzamemi from July 2 to 5, 2026, celebrating the sea, maritime tradition, and innovation in the fishing supply chain.
The program opens on July 2 in Piazza Regina Margherita with institutional greetings, the first blue fish tastings, and show cooking by food blogger Barbara Conti. Guest chefs include Pietro D'Agostino (one Michelin star), Rosi Napoli, Maurizio Urso, Giulia Carpino, Nicola Amendola, Enzo Ridolfo, Giovanni Gambuzza, Luca Giannone, and Giorgio Di Rosa.
On July 4 and 5, the courtyard of the Palazzo dei Principi di Villadorata hosts the Tuna Cutting Ceremony, curated by Angelo Cappuccio with chef Giovanni Fichera, accompanied by tastings of red tuna and Val di Noto wines. A new feature this year is the Fisheries Operators Market, starting July 4, with direct sales of the catch. The final Sunday features the "Slow Fish" show cooking with chef Luca Giannone, the awards ceremony for the "Cooking the Sea" contest, and a concert by the Unica Vuci choir. Evenings are animated by Alter Faber, Musikanten, Noro's Band, and Unica Vuci.
Programme Marzamemi Blue Fish Festival 2026
- July 2 — Inauguration in Piazza Regina Margherita, institutional greetings, blue fish tastings, show cooking with food blogger Barbara Conti.
- July 4 — Fisheries Operators Market (new for 2026), workshops for families with marine biologists.
- July 4-5 — Tuna Cutting Ceremony in the courtyard of the Palazzo dei Principi di Villadorata, curated by Angelo Cappuccio and chef Giovanni Fichera, with tastings of red tuna and Val di Noto wines.
- July 5 — "Slow Fish" show cooking with chef Luca Giannone, awards ceremony for the "Cooking the Sea" contest, concert by the Unica Vuci choir.
Highlights Marzamemi Blue Fish Festival 2026
- Michelin-starred chef Pietro D'Agostino and numerous Sicilian chefs
- Tuna Cutting Ceremony
- Fisheries Operators Market (short supply chain)
- Tastings of red tuna and Val di Noto wines
- Evening concerts and traditional Sicilian choirs
Prices Marzamemi Blue Fish Festival 2026
Practical information — Marzamemi Blue Fish Festival
How to get there
Marzamemi is a hamlet of Pachino, at the south-eastern tip of Sicily. By car, it can be reached via the SS115; the nearest airports are Catania-Fontanarossa (about 100 km) and Comiso. The reference railway station is Noto, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Admission
Access to the festival area is generally free; tastings and some workshops may have a fee. It is recommended to check the Pro Loco Marzamemi channels for the updated program.
Tips
The village is small and very popular in summer: it is best to arrive early, park in the outer areas, and continue on foot. Do not miss the sunset at the harbor.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Marzamemi Blue Fish Festival
Tonnara di Marzamemi