Mussel Festival

A tradition that smells of the sea

The Mussel Festival is one of the most deeply rooted food and wine events in the area of the Municipality of Monte San Vito, in the Province of Ancona. It takes place every year in June in the small hamlet of Le Cozze, a place name that alone tells of the deep connection of this corner of the Marche region with the famous mollusc. For almost thirty years, the Associazione Le Cozze has drawn thousands of visitors here, transforming the hamlet's streets into a large convivial space made up of food stands, music, and dancing.

What to eat

The heart of the festival is naturally the mussel, offered in all its tastiest variations. Among the dishes that have made the event famous, you will find:

• Mussels 'alla tarantina', stewed with tomato and parsley;
• Baked gratinated mussels;
• Mussels with potatoes;
• Seafood pasta dishes such as 'spaghetti allo scoglio' (spaghetti with mussels and clams) and seafood gnocchi;
• Fish skewers, fried seafood, 'olive ascolane' (stuffed and fried olives), and side dishes like French fries and pickled vegetables.

There are also the classic piadina sandwiches with ham for those who prefer a taste of the land. Everything is served under marquees, with both outdoor and indoor seating to comfortably enjoy any summer evening.

Music and atmosphere

The festival is not just about food: every evening, after the stands open, the area comes alive with ballroom and folk dancing, accompanied by live orchestras that alternate throughout the event. It is a festival designed for all ages, with fun for adults and children, which keeps alive the community dimension of the Marche popular traditions.

An event on the Marche calendar

Included in the rich program of summer festivals in the Marche, the Mussel Festival of Monte San Vito is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village in the Ancona hinterland and to taste the sea at the table in a genuine and welcoming setting. Admission is free, and the event is held concurrently with the start of the summer season, when the entire community gathers around the tables.