Sagra dell'Acciuga Fritta

Anchovies, the Gold of Monterosso

In Monterosso al Mare, the largest village of the Cinque Terre in the Province of La Spezia, the anchovy has been the protagonist of life and cuisine for centuries. The Monterosso anchovy is a Typical Agri-food Product (PAT), fished with the traditional lampara technique since the 16th century and preserved in salt in typical containers. In June, the village dedicates the Sagra dell'Acciuga Fritta (Fried Anchovy Festival) to it, one of the most beloved gastronomic festivals of the Ligurian Riviera di Levante.

A Table with Anchovies

The Pro Loco (local tourist board) stands open around noon in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Tina Anselmi, offering crispy fried anchovies, salted anchovies to taste on crostini, pasta with anchovies, fresh salads, and filled sandwiches. It's an opportunity to savour this oily fish in its most genuine form, in a spectacular setting between the sea and the narrow alleyways ('caruggi').

Markets, Music, and Sunset over the Sea

In addition to gastronomy, the festival features craft markets and live folk music in the afternoon. The most evocative moment is the Sunset Tour organized by the National Park of the Cinque Terre, with tastings and stories about the history of the festival and the anchovy. A day that combines taste, maritime tradition, and the unique beauty of the Cinque Terre.