Annual Italy Events

Festival of the Swordfish - from spring till summer, the fishermen's main catch is the diminishing swordfish, which is a staple in the Italian diet. During this period the swordfish is exalted in restaurants and celebrations alike for the importance it plays in the town's survival. The residents boast of a wild marine carousel (?) and pull onto the main piazza one of the strange high-masted special boats, called 'ontri', used in capturing the fish. Inovltini (or swordfish rolls) are the treat of the day and are served with a sauce of olive oil, lemon and oregano. A wreath of bay leaves is thrown into the sea in memory of drowned fisherman and the celebration culminates with the boys offering the girls of the town grilled swordfish in a salmoriglio sauce. The Festival normally takes place on the second week of July. www.prolocobagnara.it