Gateway to the Mediterranean

From the old town rising up behind the port area to the forts looking over it with watchful eye from the hilltops, Genoa’s connection to the sea is omnipresent. Home to Christopher Columbus, the largest aquarium in Europe and Italy’s largest modern-day seaport, the city’s rejuvenated Porto Antico (old port) makes a wonderful location for Slow Fish, the international fair dedicated to sustainable fisheries, being held from May 9-12.

With its atmospheric new location, the sixth edition of Slow Fish is opening itself not only to the sea and sky, but to an intriguing city and new experiences. The event’s slogan ‘the sea belongs to everyone’ and free entry welcomes the public to get to know the issues facing the marine environment and coastal communities, building awareness that we can all play a role in taking care of our seas.

And better awareness starts with knowing what we eat. The Street Food area returns in 2013 with tasty specialties from various Italian regions. With the event situated just steps from Genoa’s old city, visitors can also venture into the city’s caruggi – a dense tangle of narrow pedestrian alleys – to try some of the region’s traditional ‘fast food’. With their white tiled walls and wood-burning ovens, you can’t miss the friggitorie selling fried fish or the Torte e Farinate with their large trays of vegetable pies and the thin chickpea cake farinata.

Back at Slow Fish, the new Alliance Bistrot will offer fish dishes from across Italy, which can be enjoyed with a glass of wine from the Enoteca – boasting a selection of hundreds of labels. Many of these wines come from Italy’s coastal areas. South of Genoa, the stunning terraced vineyards of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site produce the renowned Sciacchetrà. Check Slow Food’s Osterie & Locande D’Italia for on where to eat all along the Riviera.

Slow Fish is also an international campaign launched by Slow Food to promote good, clean and fair fish. The Water Workshops at the event provide opportunities to look at the issues in their complexity, with open discussions between experts, practitioners and the public.

By becoming more informed consumers and stimulating interaction between those involved in the world of sustainable fisheries, together we are taking steps forward for sustainable fish.

There is a world to discover at Slow Fish, and a region to explore from the launch pad of Genoa’s Porto Antico.

See the complete program here.