Sagra dello Stoccafisso (Stockfish Festival)

Set in the enchanting Argentina Valley, the charming medieval village of Badalucco transforms every September into a temple dedicated to one of Liguria's most iconic dishes: stoccafisso (dried cod). The Sagra dello Stoccafisso is far more than a simple food festival; it is a fascinating journey through centuries of commercial and culinary history that have shaped the Ligurian hinterland. This dish, brought along maritime trade routes and transformed into a symbol of local identity, is celebrated with a devotion that testifies to its profound cultural significance for the community. The true star of the festival is the Badalucco stoccafisso recipe, prepared according to tradition with potatoes, tomatoes, pine nuts, Taggiasca olives, and fresh herbs from local gardens. Served in generous portions in the heart of the village, this gastronomic masterpiece sits alongside other local specialties such as vegetable pies, fragrant focaccia, and traditional desserts that enrich the culinary offerings of the sagra. The food and wine stands become gathering points where visitors can discover and taste the authentic flavours of Liguria. Beyond the culinary delights, the event offers a complete experience that includes live music, artisan markets, guided tours of the historic centre, and photographic exhibitions dedicated to the village's history. This multifaceted programme makes the Sagra dello Stoccafisso an unmissable appointment for those wishing to immerse themselves in the true essence of Liguria, discovering how tradition, territory, and community are inextricably intertwined.