Now, picture yourself taking a stroll around an Italian rustic town in the summer whilst being hit by the mouthwatering smell of crispy chips and fried fish. The town of Barga is known for its love over British cuisine, so it does not come as a surprise that its fisherman themed event captures locals’ hearts.
The town’s most adored event is called Sagra del Pesce e Patate, which meaning translates to Fish and Chips festival, takes place every August. Strongly fueled by the British, the town pays little to no attention to their olive oil and truffles. Locals enjoy the mouthwatering golden-fried cod topped with salt, chunky fries, a splash of vinegar, and a generous portion of salt. This has been a reoccurring event for more than 40 years and the town shows no signs of stopping.
The town’s Scottish roots heavily influenced Barga’s love for this dish over the years. People began to move to Scotland during the 20th century due to seeking new job opportunities. Not only did their prospects entice them, but Barga sprung enticing ideas in the form of ice cream parlors and chippies run by the locals. Every summer, the locals brought their golden fried cod back home with them, making it a summer necessity alongside the fish and chips.
What once was British cuisine is now deemed one with Barga’s identity.
Locals Enjoy It. Tourists? Even Better.
A monument thanks to the birth of its Scotsman Johnny Moscardini, who is the only Scottish footballer to ever wear the Italian National soccer jersey. And just like this, every cuisine is personally tailored for each visitor including a blend of fish and chips.
Visitors put their thoughts on facebook saying, “From Yorkshire to Barga, yet again, its my second year here So Thank you so much Forza Barga” One visitor said, “So much fun this night and while eating ‘fish and chips’ how exceptional can tonight’s get!!”
Not A Fish Lover? No New Worries.
Chips and Fish may take the festival crown for the main dish, Italians however, put up pasta, wine, and various other banned foods, because supporting said diet serves ACFC Barga. Why But let’s be honest: they smell amazing, and even if you don’t like chicken-yes, turkey, you will definitely surrender.
And the most important part, Barga isn’t another overpriced touristic town. All the food is put inside plastic bowls plastered with a smile or and honest good mood one can only find in small corner of the world where boarders gaps can only be filled up with organic and clean energy.
Last Bite
This festivius is one of those quirky gems that—regardless of where you are from, what generation you are in, or even what continent you live on—makes it clear that. It makes no difference if you came there for the history or simply for the nostalgia: Only a true foodie would appreciate the fries too.
So yes, next time you give Italy a thought, you might want to turn off the thoughts of spaghetti and instead focus on salt, vinegar and the satisfying crunch of something that brings forth a sense of home… even in Tuscany.
