Vicenza-style cod as a traditional dish, but also as a starting point for recounting a European journey spanning almost six centuries : the 39th Vicenza-style Bacalà Festival returns to Sandrigo from September 17th to 28th 2026 with a program that combines the gastronomic offering with exhibitions, music, meetings, and initiatives dedicated to the local area. From September 25th to 27th, the event will also host the Via Querinissima Days , three days of cultural, tourist, and food and wine events dedicated to Pietro Querini's journey and the historic link between Sandrigo, Venice, and the Norwegian island of Røst, strengthened by the recent recognition of the Via Querinissima as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe . which will be included in the overall programme of the Festival .
Among the initiatives promoted by Pro Sandrigo are the mini guided tours offered during the event weekends, designed to accompany visitors in discovering Sandrigo's historic center. Through the narration of a guide, it will be possible to retrace the story of Pietro Querini , learn how the bond with stockfish began, and delve into the history of the twinning with the island of Røst , which still today represents a symbol of the friendship between Veneto and Norway.
The Festival 's main attraction is Vicenza-style cod , prepared exclusively with PGI Lofoten stockfish and offered alongside various interpretations of the same ingredient. Throughout the two weeks, the culinary program will alternate gnocchi, pizza, bigoli al torcio, artisanal ravioli, and cod risotto, alongside traditional dishes. Riso…Ti Amo will also return on Monday, September 21st , with reservations required for this evening featuring four risottos freshly prepared directly at the event's stand.
The gastronomic dimension will extend to the town's streets and squares with the Art & Flavors Market , scheduled for the weekends of September 19th and 20th and 26th and 27th. Over sixty exhibitors will bring artisanal products, food specialties, and local agricultural products to Sandrigo, while games, workshops, and shows will complement the family-friendly days.
On Friday, September 25th , Notes on the Via Querinissima will bring together in Piazza Centrale the students of the Zanella Comprehensive Institute of Sandrigo and those of the Music School of Stade, in Germany. On Saturday, September 26th, Palazzo Marconi will host the La Querina Award . This award, established to commemorate Pietro Querini, is organized in collaboration with the Library's Cultural Activities Committee, the Municipality of Sandrigo, and the Confraternity of Bacalà alla Vicentina. On the same day, the traditional dance performance "Beyond the Borders" by the La Farandola Folklore Group will pay homage to the territories crossed by the route. The Investiture Ceremony of the Confraternity of Bacalà alla Vicentina will be held on Sunday, September 27th, with the participation of authorities and producers of Lofoten PGI Stockfish.
Furthermore, from September 24th to 28th , Villa Sesso Schiavo will host the free exhibition curated by Ugo Bianco, Percorsi d'Autore , featuring photographs by Natalino Russo, Cesare Gerolimetto, Ronny Pozzato, Sara De Toni, and Swedish and Norwegian photographers and documentary filmmakers. Multimedia installations, origami works, and the evocative Valigie d'Autore (Author's Suitcases ) are featured, in an exhibition dedicated to the themes of travel, the encounter between cultures, and the Via Querinissima . The exhibition was made possible thanks to the contributions of private companies and the support of the Fondazione Banca Popolare di Marostica Volksbank .
The musical and cultural program will continue throughout the event with concerts, shows, presentations, and events dedicated to different generations. The 39th edition will close on Monday, September 28th with a tasting of cod risotto.
The Vicenza-style Bacalà Festival is organised by Pro Sandrigo, with the patronage of the Veneto Region and the Municipality of Sandrigo, with the support of the main sponsor BCC Veneta, Consorzio Tørrfisk fra Lofoten e Seafood from Norway and the participation of the Confraternita del Bacalà alla Vicentina and the contribution of Fondazione Banca Popolare di Marostica Volksbank.
Full program, information, and reservations: www.festadelbaccala.com
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