In the picturesque Italian Riviera village of Camogli, an annual culinary event transcends the ordinary, combining age-old traditions, community spirit, and the world’s largest frying pan. The Sagra del Pesce festival, celebrated every second Sunday of May, honors the patron saint of fishermen with a feast that draws thousands to its shores. With its quaint harbor and pastel-colored buildings, Camogli epitomizes the charm of Italy’s coastal villages, making it a storybook setting for this unique fish fry.
The festival’s eve sets the stage with an awe-inspiring bonfire on the beach, featuring structures built from flammable materials. The fiery spectacle, ignited from the church steeple, serves as a prelude to the main event, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and communal joy.
The heart of the Sagra del Pesce is the enormous frying pan, measuring 13 feet in diameter and weighing 28 tons. Positioned in Piazza Cristoforo Colombo, this culinary behemoth fries fish for the masses, offering a taste of the sea that defines Camogli’s heritage. The preparation and sharing of fried fish in this grand manner not only feed festival-goers but also weave a thread of continuity with the village’s fishing traditions.
Beyond the spectacle of the frying pan, Camogli enchants visitors with its idyllic setting in the Paradise Gulf. From the terrace of the Sublimis Boutique Hotel, one can soak in views of the iconic skyline, savoring a cappuccino before exploring the village’s cobblestone streets and culinary delights. Local favorites like focaccia from Revello and gelato from La Cremeria del Paradiso become daily indulgences, while the aperitivo culture offers a glimpse into the local way of life.
The festival itself is a sensorial overload, with the aroma of mussels in white wine, the taste of trofie al pesto, and the spectacle of the San Fortunato procession. This procession, carrying a statue of the patron saint, culminates in a fireworks display that rivals a grand finale, setting the stage for the ultimate Sunday feast.
As the sun rises on festival day, anticipation builds with the crowd lining up for a taste of freshly fried fish, served directly from the world’s largest frying pan. The communal dining experience on the beach, accompanied by the sounds of clinking wine glasses and the laughter of festival-goers, captures the essence of Italian conviviality.
Camogli’s Sagra del Pesce stands as a testament to the village’s deep connection to the sea, its community, and the joy of shared meals. The festival not only offers a glimpse into the local culture but also invites travelers to partake in a culinary tradition that is as delicious as it is memorable. In Camogli, the world’s largest frying pan is not just a cooking implement but a symbol of hospitality, tradition, and the enduring spirit of a village united by the sea.
