From a shared cicchetto in the grounds of a villa to the gourmet experience of a gala dinner, preparations are underway in Sandrigo for the annual event dedicated to this traditional Vicenza dish: with Bacco&Bacalà, cod is changing its form, rhythm, and ritual, while maintaining its identity and convivial vocation. It kicks off on August 29th in the grounds of Villa Mascotto in Ancignano. The aperifestival, organized thanks to the support of the Fondazione Banca Popolare di Marostica Volksbank, will showcase stockfish in the light and informal form of a cicchetto, to be shared outdoors and accompanied by select wines and cocktails. The free service, the relaxed pace of the aperitivo, and the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes thus give cod a more immediate dimension, a food that fosters encounters and conviviality. Following this, the 39th Festa del Bacalà alla Vicentina, scheduled for September 17th to 28th, 2026, will offer a contrasting yet complementary interpretation. The evening, dedicated to the theme "A Journey Through the Europe of Stockfish and Baccalà," will feature a seven-course menu created by the restaurant group of the Venerable Confraternity of Bacalà alla Vicentina. The gastronomic journey will recall the historical event that formed the link between the Veneto region and the Lofoten Islands: departing from Candia in 1431, the Venetian merchant Pietro Querini was shipwrecked on the Norwegian island of Røst, where he discovered stockfish, cod naturally dried by the north winds. Upon his return home, he contributed to the spread of this food, which over time became a staple of Venetian cuisine and the staple ingredient of bacalà alla Vicentina. Thirty chefs, 35 waiters, and 40 Knights of Bacalà will contribute to the evening; the extraordinary investiture of new Knights will also take place during the dinner.
The two events are united by the PGI Lofoten Stockfish, used in all the Festival's dishes and linked for centuries to the relationship between Veneto and Norway. Since 2022, Pro Sandrigo has collaborated with the Lofoten Stockfish Consortium to use the certified raw material during the event.
The calendar of events, which require reservations, also includes Riso…Ti Amo, scheduled for Monday, September 21st at 7:30 pm in the food court of the Festival. The evening will feature four interpretations of risotto, prepared by volunteers together with chefs from restaurants recommended by the Confraternita del Bacalà alla Vicentina.
During the Vicenza-style Bacalà Festival, food stands will be complemented by a rich program of music and local initiatives. The event is organized by Pro Sandrigo, with the patronage of the Veneto Region and the Municipality of Sandrigo, the support of the main sponsors BCC Veneta, the Consorzio Tørrfisk fra Lofoten, and Seafood from Norway, and the participation of the Confraternita del Bacalà alla Vicentina.
