On the second Sunday of May, in the port of Camogli (pronounced kuh-moh’-lee), the most well known event of the year and biggest tourist attraction of the area happens- it is the Fish Festival of Saint Fortunato. Camogli is a small fishing village that is located between the Portofino Mountains and the Ligurian Sea. Saint Fortunato was the patron saint of fishermen who watched over the men and kept them safe while they were at sea. This event takes place in honor of him.
The evening before the festival is set to begin, an enormous and extremely grandiose fireworks display is put on, much to the delight of all the villagers (and many tourists). The event generally gets underway around ten P.M. on the Saturday night in question. After the fireworks are over, another interesting “fire” display takes places. A bonfire competition is staged between the two main neighborhoods of the town. Two extremely tall (sometimes as high as two stories) wooden and paper structures are constructed on the beach, each corresponding to the specific theme for that year as every year it is something different. After all the work is done, they are both set afire. The fires are lit by a “firewire” that descends from the top steeple of the church. The display is a true feast for the eyes and draws people in droves to witness its majestic power and beauty. The flames often reach heights of over six stories. The fire department as well as the police department has their hands full on the night of this most spectacular event!
The next day, the official day of the fish festival, free fried fish is dished out in front of the small, but exquisite harbor and everyone is welcome to eat as much fish as they want. According to folklore, this custom had its origins during the Second World War. It was believed that the wives of the local fishermen offered fresh fish to the Holy Virgin in order to thank her for keeping their husbands safe and out of harm’s way during the war.
So next time you find yourself in Italy during the month of May, go enjoy the festivities! Party hardy!