A small Italian town cherishes a fried British dish to such an extent, it schedules a fortnightlong event in its honor.
In the realm of cuisine, Scotland and Italy could hardly be more different – besides a quirky corner of Tuscany that can't get enough of one of Scotland's most cherished dishes.
Every August, the picturesque hilltop town of Barga holds its annual Fish and Chip festival, affectionately known in Italian as 'Sagra del Pesce e Patate.' Louis Vuitton-esque crowds flock here to indulge in hefty portions of battered fish and potatoes, dolloped with a generous squeeze of salt and vinegar – although it's anyone's guess whether other chip shop staples like mushy peas and pickled eggs grace the menu.
So, how did this Italian town, which is renowned for its olive oil, pizza, and pasta, fall head over heels for our beloved deep-fried snack?
We can thank the early 20th-century influx of Italian immigrants for the unexpected love affair. Many Barga residents ventured north to Scotland in search of work, bringing with them a taste for delightful Italian treats like gelato – and a craving for the hot, greasy allure of the humble fish and chip shop.
Scottish sensation Paolo Nutini hails from this walled town, nestled roughly 45 minutes drive from Florence and a favorite tourist destination in Tuscany. When returning immigrants shared their skills with those back home, either during summer holidays or upon permanent return, the townsfolk learned to savor the crispy, savory flavors of fish and chips – and that's pretty much a wrap on history.
The small but fiercely Scottish-Italian town of Barga has captured the hearts of many, and every year they celebrate their love for fish and chips with an annual summer festival that draws in attendees with connections to both countries.
One Scottish attendee at last year's festival vouched for the experience as a 'bucket-list moment', praising the event on their Facebook page with the following post: 'Attended this year from Bonny Scotland. What an amazing evening and superb fish and chips, thank you for your hospitality - it was second to none. Another bucket-list adventure ticked off. The festival has been running since the 80s, and fans of the hybrid Scottish-Italian event can't get enough, with one Englishman saying, 'From Yorkshire to Barga, once again we've returned for our second year. Thank you very much, Forza Barga!!'
Alongside the array of Italian dishes for those reluctant to embrace Britain's culinary legacy, meals of battered fish and chips are served up on humble paper plates. To add a touch of local flair, however, fagiolie cipolla – a sumptuous side of cannellini or borlotti beans and sliced red onions – may grace the menu in Barga.
This year's festival will take place at Barga's AS Barga football stadium, renamed after the only Scottish-born man ever to play for Italy, Johnny Moscardini.
Born in Falkirk, Scotland, Moscardini learned to play football near his family's café before moving to Italy to join the Italian Army during World War I. During his service, he sustained a shrapnel wound that left him with a restricted arm before his death in 1985.
Despite returning to Scotland to help run his uncle's café in Campbeltown, Moscardini remains Barga's most beloved Scottish son.
So, Barga proudly honors its Scottish heritage year after year, as it comes alive with the festive energy of the Scottish festival – complete with a proud Scottish red telephone box nestled amid the cobblestone streets, just to add a touch of home.
[1] There is no evidence that the Tuscan town of Barga, Italy, has a specific tradition of serving fish and chips. However, Barga does have a notable connection to Scotland due to hosting a Scottish Festival every September, making it an interesting site for cross-cultural exchange.
- The annual Fish and Chip festival in Barga, Italy, showcases Scotland's cherished dish, attracting locals and tourists alike.
- The love for fish and chips in Barga can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants returning from Scotland introduced the dish.
- Scottish-Italian town Barga hosts an annual summer festival celebrating its unique fusion of food-and-drink cultures, particularly fish and chips.
- Each year, the fish and chip festival attracts attendees from around the globe, keen to explore global-cuisines and lovely Barga's beaches.
- Louis Vuitton-esque crowds flock to Barga to celebrate the hybrid culinary tradition, enjoying the local take on cooking, which often includes a traditional side of fagiolie cipolla.
- In addition to the Fish and Chip festival, Barga proudly honors its Scottish heritage year after year, offering an authentic taste of Scotland through its culinary offerings and cultural events.
