National Stockfish Festival 2026 in Cittanova, Calabria – 25th Edition

Viale Campanella, centro storico di Cittanova · Cittanova, Costa Viola, Calabria

10 August 2026

Concluded event

National Stockfish Festival 2026 in Cittanova, Calabria – 25th Edition runs on 10 August 2026 at Viale Campanella, centro storico di Cittanova, 89022 Cittanova (RC). The event is organised by Comune di Cittanova. The line-up includes Fabrizio Moro. Entry is open to everyone at no charge. The Gioia Tauro plain separates the Tyrrhenian shoreline from the Aspromonte range, in the province of Reggio Calabria. Markets and food festivals share the same format: stalls along the streets of the centre, local producers and evening music.

The 25th National Stockfish Festival

On 10 August 2026 Cittanova hosts the 25th National Stockfish Festival, a special edition marking a quarter of a century of one of the most anticipated food festivals in the Piana di Gioia Tauro and the wider province of Reggio Calabria. Stands open at 7:00 pm along Viale Campanella and the surrounding streets of the old town, turning the heart of the city into a trail of flavours and conviviality. Admission to the festival area is completely free, while food and drinks at the stands are paid separately. It is an event that blends culinary tradition, live music and summer atmosphere, a short drive from the Aspromonte and the Costa Viola.

Fabrizio Moro in concert

The musical highlight of the night is Fabrizio Moro, set to take the Viale Campanella stage for a free concert that lights up the festival. The Roman singer-songwriter, known for songs such as Pensa, brings to Cittanova his new tour "Non ho paura di niente – live 2026": a set that runs through the highlights of his career, from his early days to today, alongside tracks from his latest album. After midnight, in Piazza San Rocco, the festivities continue with the musical show "Nostalgia", dedicated to the great hits of the 1990s, for a night that weaves together good food and great Italian music.

Stockfish, from humble food to excellence

At the heart of the festival is stockfish, the dried cod from northern seas that inland Reggio Calabria has made its own over the centuries, soaking it according to craft handed down through generations. At the stands it is served in its most traditional forms: with potatoes and chilli pepper, stewed, as a cold salad, alongside local specialties. It is the symbol of humble cooking turned into gastronomic excellence, a cornerstone of Cittanova's cuisine and proof of how an inland town, far from the sea, built its identity around a preserved fish.

Cittanova and the Piana di Gioia Tauro

Cittanova lies in the Piana di Gioia Tauro, on the slopes of the Aspromonte, in a location that makes it an excellent base for exploring the hinterland and the nearby Costa Viola. During the festival the old town fills with visitors from across the province of Reggio Calabria and beyond. Those wishing to extend their stay can discover local businesses and services in the Cittanova directory or find a table at the restaurants in Cittanova. The festival is the perfect chance to combine tradition, authentic flavours and an evening of music under the August sky.

Frequently asked questions

When does the 2026 Cittanova Stockfish Festival take place?

The 25th edition is held on 10 August 2026, with the food stands opening at 7:00 pm.

Where is the festival held?

In the old town of Cittanova, along Viale Campanella and the surrounding streets, in the province of Reggio Calabria.

Who performs in concert?

The main concert is by Fabrizio Moro, with his tour "Non ho paura di niente – live 2026". After midnight, in Piazza San Rocco, the show "Nostalgia" celebrates the hits of the 1990s.

Is there an admission charge?

No: access to the festival area and the concert is completely free. Only food and drinks at the stands are paid.

What time does the concert start?

The main live show on stage is scheduled for 10:30 pm, after the stands open at 7:00 pm.

What food is served at the Stockfish Festival?

The star is stockfish, served with potatoes and chilli pepper, stewed or as a cold salad, alongside typical products of Calabrian tradition.

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