Camogli Italy and the Giant Frying Pan
Nestled along the picturesque Italian Riviera, the charming fishing village of Camogli is not just renowned for its colorful seaside houses and stunning coastal views; it has also become famous for its unique culinary tradition involving giant frying pans. This vibrant community, located near Portofino, offers a blend of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and mouthwatering local cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and travelers alike.
Why is there a giant frying pan in Camogli Italy?
The giant frying pans, or “padelle,” are a striking symbol of Camogli’s gastronomic heritage. Each year, the village hosts the “Sagra del Pesce” (Fish Festival), an event that attracts thousands of visitors eager to taste the freshest seafood prepared in these enormous pans. Originating in the mid-20th century, the festival celebrates Camogli’s long-standing fishing culture, where local fishermen have supplied the village with fresh catches for generations.
First of all, should you find yourself in Camogli Italy on the second weekend of May, arrive hungry. Camogli’s giant frying pan will be center stage at the Sagre del Pesce Italian festival. Serving up more than three tons of fish on the harbor front, a massive frying pan has been an icon of the fish festival since 1952.
Camogli is an Italian Riviera town tucked between better known seaport of Genoa and touristy Portofino. In the late Middle Ages Camogli’s bay lay jammed full of tall ships; the city of a thousand white sails.
Camogli Italy is long known for its seafaring ways. Travel back in time to 1798 and you may bump into Napoleon on the shores of Camogli. Once estimated to be home to 500 ship captains, today tourism is the trade of choice.
This quiet gem of hidden Italy began the fish festival in post World War II years. Hoping to promote a tourism image, the festival and it’s giant fish fry were born.
During the two day festival religious ceremonies honoring patron saints are interspersed in addition to modern day rituals. Fireworks on the beach follow a religious procession.
Two doves trigger a ‘fire’ of smoke bombs atop the church tower. Consequently the doves must get quite the fright!
History of Camogli Italy and it’s Giant Frying Pan
In the festival’s first year six small pans were utilized in the cooking. Working late into the night because of the huge crowd it became clear a much bigger frying pan would be needed in Camogli.
The idea of a giant fish frying pan was born. Maybe there were adult beverages involved in that brainstorming session?
According to local posters the pan set a world record for size yet I have not been able to validate the fact. A fish story perhaps?
The giant frying pan on display in Camogli is the third of four pans made of iron. Used from the 1970’s to 1985 it now acts as a billboard. An attention grabbing display for one of the most intriguing festivals in Italy.
In recent years a large stainless steel frying pan is set up in the harbor. While 1000 litres of oil fill the frying pan the cooking preparations begin. The frying pan sizzles up between 3000-5000 servings.
Nestled along the picturesque Italian Riviera, the charming fishing village of Camogli is not just renowned for its colorful seaside houses and stunning coastal views; it has also become famous for its unique culinary tradition involving giant frying pans. This vibrant community, located near Portofino, offers a blend of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and mouthwatering…
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