From May 30 to June 2, 2026, Fano will host the Brodetto Fest, now in its 24th edition. Four days along the waterfront dedicated to the dish that best embodies Fano’s maritime tradition: brodetto. The event features a national competition among Italy’s regional brodetto varieties, cooking demonstrations with guest chefs, live concerts, a market showcasing local flavors, and tastings open to the public. It is one of the most anticipated culinary events in central Italy.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your stay—and why Loft Verdemare, located 6 km from the Fano waterfront, is the perfect base for doing so.
What is the Brodetto Fest?
The Brodetto Fest was created to celebrate and promote Fano-style brodetto—a simple fish soup that originated on the fishing boats in the port of Fano and has, over time, become a symbol of the Marche region’s culinary identity. The event is held along the Fano waterfront and appeals to a wide audience: food enthusiasts, families, tourists, connoisseurs, and anyone simply curious to learn more.
After 24 editions, the Brodetto Fest has become a national landmark for Italian seafood cuisine.
Fano-style fish soup: history and characteristics
Fano-style fish soup stands out from other Italian fish soups thanks to a secret ingredient: vinegar. The traditional recipe calls for fresh fish from the Adriatic—scorpionfish, tub gurnard, mackerel, cuttlefish, and baby squid—cooked in a broth made from onions, tomatoes, and white wine vinegar. The result is a dish with a bold, slightly tangy flavor that is deeply rooted in the local region.
Regional variations
Brodetto isn’t just a Fano specialty. Along the Adriatic coast, there are dozens of regional variations, each with different ingredients and cooking techniques: Ancona’s brodetto with saffron, Porto Recanati’s with mafaldine pasta, and San Benedetto del Tronto’s with green bell peppers. The Brodetto Fest brings them all together—and it’s a treat for anyone who loves authentic cuisine.
The event schedule
The National Fish Soup Competition
The heart of the festival is the national competition, which pits different regional versions of Italian fish soup and brodetto against one another. Each team represents a coastal tradition and prepares its own recipe in front of the audience, to be judged by a panel of experts. The judging criteria include technique, ingredients, presentation, and adherence to tradition.
Cooking demonstrations and guest chefs
In addition to the competition, the program features cooking demonstrations by top chefs from all over Italy. Events will take place throughout the four-day festival, including demonstrations open to the public, tastings, and workshops. The program is designed to appeal to both professionals and food enthusiasts alike.
Local Flavors Market
The market featuring traditional products from the Marche region is one of the festival’s most popular attractions. Cheeses, cured meats, wines, extra-virgin olive oil, canned fish, and artisanal pasta—all produced in the Marche region. It’s the perfect place to stock up on authentic flavors to take home.
Concerts and entertainment
Every evening, the Brodetto Fest turns into a music festival along the Fano waterfront. Live concerts, activities, and entertainment make for a full day—from morning until night.
How to get there and get around
The event takes place on the Fano waterfront. By car, Fano is accessible via the A14 highway (Fano exit). Parking along the waterfront during the event can be difficult—which is why staying at Loft Verdemare, with private parking included, makes all the difference. You arrive by car, park at the loft, and reach the event on foot or with a short ride.
Where to stay for the Brodetto Fest
Loft Verdemare is located just 6 km from the Fano waterfront, nestled in the lush countryside of the Marche region. Four days of festival fun call for a comfortable base—the loft offers a private garden, a fully equipped kitchen, parking, and all the relaxation you need to recharge between tastings.
How to book
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The Brodetto Fest 2026 runs from May 30 to June 2. Four days of seafood, flavors, and Marche traditions. Book the Loft Verdemare now and enjoy the event without a care in the world.