Stockfish, king of the table: the 2026 Bacalà Festival celebrates this year's theme for the Italian Academy.

Sandrigo is preparing to host the 39th edition of the Vicenza-style Bacalà Festival , scheduled for September 17-20 and 24-28, 2026. This event, one of the most recognizable in the Veneto late-summer gastronomic calendar, brings Vicenza-style bacalà, the history of stockfish, and a program that combines cuisine, culture, music, and discovery of the region to the heart of the Veneto.

The 2026 edition falls in a particularly significant year for gastronomy: the Italian Academy of Cuisine has chosen as its annual theme cod, stockfish, and other fish preserved in salt, dried, or smoked in traditional regional cuisine . In this context, Sandrigo, linked for centuries to the memory of Pietro Querini's journey and the culture of stockfish, becomes a natural stop to tell the story of how a Northern European raw material crossed the continent to become one of the Veneto's signature dishes. Querini's return journey provided the inspiration for the Via Querinissima project , now certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe : one of the most prestigious European awards dedicated to itineraries that promote shared values among European countries, intercultural dialogue, and cooperation between territories.

The Festival 's main dish remains Vicenza-style bacalà, prepared according to the traditional recipe of the Confraternita del Bacalà (Baccharide Brotherhood) and using only PGI Lofoten Stockfish . As always, the 2026 menu combines the classic dish with a variety of interpretations: handmade ravioli, potato gnocchi, gourmet pizza, bigoli al torcio (cooked bigoli), and risotto. Special dishes for children, vegetarians, and celiacs are also available, paired with local wines from Cantina Beato Bartolomeo da Breganze.

"Stockfish is an increasingly rare product , requiring time and care, and representing a precious heritage of our gastronomic culture ," emphasizes Antonio Chemello , president of Pro Sandrigo. "Even in a complex environment, Pro Sandrigo continues to work to maintain the high value of its offerings, without compromising on product quality."

Three gastronomic events will precede the Festival . On Saturday, August 29th , from 5:00 pm, Villa Mascotto in Ancignano will host Bacco & Bacalà , an aperifestival with cod-based cicchetti, selected wines and cocktails. On Tuesday, September 15th , at 8:30 pm, it will be the turn of the Gran Galà del Bacalà , with a menu dedicated to Pietro Querini's European journey through cod and stockfish, created in collaboration with the restaurant group of the Confraternita del Bacalà. On Monday, September 21st , at 7:30 pm, the gastronomic area of Parco 3000 will host Rice… I Love You , with risotto as the protagonist in four variations.

The cultural program will complement the gastronomic experience with initiatives dedicated to the history of stockfish and the connection between Sandrigo, Venice, and the Lofoten Islands. From September 24th to 29th , Villa Sesso Schiavo will host the exhibition " Journey, Flavors and Identity: The Photographic Story of Querini's Journey ." Mini guided tours of Sandrigo's villas and oratories will also be offered, recounting Querini's story and the arrival of stockfish in Venetian culture.

Among the most anticipated events is also Notes on the Via Querinissima , a musical work born from the cultural exchanges between the students of the IC Zanella of Sandrigo and the students of the music schools along the overland route taken by Querini on his return to Venice in 1432, which will be held on Friday 25 September at 9:00 pm in Piazza SS. Filippo e Giacomo.

The Vicenza-style Bacalà Festival 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, Consorzio Tørrfisk fra Lofoten and Seafood from Norway and the participation of the Confraternita del Bacalà alla Vicentina.

Full program, information and reservations on the website : www.festadelbaccala.com