Sagra Nazionale delle Cozze e degli Spaghetti alla Marinara (National Mussel and Marinara Spaghetti Festival)

If you are in Italy for Ferragosto, you may want to visit the small town of Pedaso especially if you enjoy mussels and pasta. Each year between August 12th and the 15th this small town located in the province of Fermo within the Marche region is host to the Sagra Nazionale delle Cozze e degli Spaghetti alla Marinara (National Mussel and Marinara Spaghetti Festival).

Pedaso's population is well under 3,000 residents but between these three days in August more than 30,000 visitors embark on this coastal town to take part in this event that started back in 1964. This is a national festival that attracts not only locals but also Italians throughout Italy and foreigners who were fortunate enough to make the journey. The people of Pedaso do not disappoint. Between 150 - 200 volunteers help to cook and serve the dishes. During the festival close to 29,000 pounds of mussels, 6,600 pounds of sauce and 4,400 pounds of spaghetti are cooked. Yes, the highlight of this festival is the mussels in guazzetto and the spaghetti in red marinara fish sauce, but you are also treated to musical events and local market stands.

If you are in Italy during this time, you may want to venture to the quaint town of Pedaso, which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. The Sagra delle Cozze is a food festival that is a must for anyone who enjoys Italian cuisine.

All photos copyright © Massimo Camilletti.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.