Feast of the "peocio" at the Lido's Alberoni.

What it is and where it is

Like any place on the edge, the Venice Lido is a place of contrasts. In the middle, around the Palazzo del Cinema, shines the perennial sun of the Festival's red carpet flashes. But on the southernmost tip, past Malamocco and its marina, near the WWF sand dunes, is the Alberoni resort. Here, every year, the Festa del peocio (which they call "mussel" on land) becomes the culinary beacon of the lagoon.

Why it's special

In the queue toward the kitchens, those waiting to hear a thousand dishes listed for tasting, as it was Forrest Gump's turn with Bubba's shrimp, will be disappointed. At Alberoni they make a few things but good ones: saltada de peoci, doused with plenty of lemon and parsley, or pasta coi peoci, scented with garlic. But besides its fruits, the lagoon is famous for another attraction: funk! Every evening, after the five-a-side football tournament or the historical regatta, the stage is set up on the water's edge, and without fear of making too much noise, people descend to dance within sight of St. Mark's.