The 15th edition of the Paranza Fish Festival, held from May 30th to June 1st at Villa Matarazzo, Santa Maria di castellabate, closed with unprecedented success: over 20 attendees and more than 40 quintals of fish distributed to visitors. The event, organized by the Punta Tresino association and supported by important local and regional organizations, confirmed its role as an unmissable event for enthusiasts of Cilento seafood cuisine and local culture.
The event opened with a touching tribute to Angelo Niglio, a historic figure in the association, who was presented with a commemorative plaque in the presence of dignitaries and the public. During the three-day celebration, Villa Matarazzo was transformed into a vast gastronomic village, where the traditional giant pan cooked red mullet, calamari, shrimp, and cuttlefish, served in over 5 trays.
Alongside fried fish, the menu offered a variety of traditional dishes, including pasta dishes, panuozzi, fried pizzas, anchovy zeppole, and Cilento desserts, including gluten-free options to ensure inclusiveness. The presence of the Pro Loco Camogli and the contribution of the main sponsors Oleificio Zucchi and Pastificio Di Martino further enriched the culinary and organizational offerings.
The event also featured craft markets, educational workshops, and cooking demonstrations, with engaging moments such as the "Cilentana Evening," dedicated to the Slow Food Gelbison Presidia, and the "Passettini" evening, which celebrated folk tradition with music and dance.
Meanwhile, the 18th edition of the Campania Festival – National Singing Competition brought young talents from across Italy to the stage, while the participation of guests such as Peppe Di Napoli and Franco's Zero sparked great enthusiasm among visitors.
Giovanni Pisciottano, the organization's director, emphasized how the event represents a benchmark for showcasing the area's maritime excellence and identity, combining tradition, quality, and tourism promotion.
With an extremely positive outcome, the Paranza Fish Festival confirms its position as one of Cilento's flagship events, combining culture, tourism, and gastronomy in a highly attended and successful setting.
The event seemed well-organized and had plenty to see. People seemed happy, but I noticed the signage was poor and the volunteers weren't always coordinated. Some dishes were served cold or too salty, and the portions were small, but the atmosphere was still nice and traditional.