Every year, on the first weekend after August 15th (Ferragosto, Italy’s beloved mid-summer
holiday), holiday), the picturesque town
of Avigliano in the Basilicata region hosts its most delicious celebration: the Salt Cod Festival (Sagra del Baccalà).

This vibrant three-day event brings together locals and visitors to fully immerse in Italian food culture, live entertainment, and community spirit.
What to Expect: Gourmet food stalls featuring regional specialties Artisan markets with local crafts Live cooking shows with talented chefs Open-air theatre and traditional performances Evening concerts and music throughout the town
At the heart of it all is baccalà—salted and dried cod—a traditional food that once served as a staple in mountain towns like Avigliano, where access to fresh fish was limited. Preserved and versatile, it symbolized creativity in Southern Italian kitchens. A Taste of Tradition During the festival, you can sample various baccalà dishes, from classic recipes to modern reinterpretations. Some must-tries include: Baccalà with crispy “peperoni cruschi” – sweet sun-dried peppers fried until crunchy Baccalà with olives – simple, rustic, and flavorful Baccalà a ciauaredda – a traditional stew with tomatoes and onions Sunday’s Highlight: The “Baccapranzo”On Sunday, the festival closes with the Baccapranzo—a big open-air community lunch dedicated entirely to baccalà. Locals and guests gather for an authentic Southern Italian meal filled with joy, storytelling, and shared tables.

A Full Experience for All Ages:![]()
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