For the fourth year, as part of the Pick the Alien project, we are celebrating World Sustainable Gastronomy Day with the Blue Crab Festival in Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the Street Foods in Greece Association.

Protection of marine ecosystems starts from our plate!

That’s why this now-established festival in the city offers the perfect opportunity to learn about marine invasive species while tasting unique recipes made with Atlantic blue crab, helping reduce their population and mitigate their impact on marine ecosystems.

Since 2020, more than 7,000 Thessaloniki residents and visitors have celebrated World Sustainable Gastronomy Day, consuming over 3 tons of Blue Crab, all in support of promoting environmental protection through responsible consumption of seafood!

Once again this year, our strongest allies in promoting the consumption of marine invasive species, chefs Jonathan Harnett and Vasilis Pantazis, will be offering for free recipes using Atlantic blue crab supplied by Forkys Foods.

On Wednesday, June 18, from 19:00 to 23:00, join us at the "Umbrellas" sculpture by Zongolopoulos on Thessaloniki’s Waterfront, where Jonathan Harnett and Vasilis Pantazis will be preparing diverse recipes inspired by Greece, Japan, and Mexico, all based on this widely spread edible invasive species of the region, the Atlantic Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus).

Together with youth supported by Faros tou Kosmou, who will also be preparing traditional bread to be served warm and filled with crab meat!

iSea will be on site providing information about the expansion and impacts of marine invasive species, while also promoting responsible seafood consumption alternatives.

At the same time, our partners from incommon will be collecting food waste and informing the public about food waste reduction practices.

Once again, Plus Radio 102.6 will be setting the rhythm as the festival’s media sponsor!

The festival is held under the auspices of the Region of Central Macedonia sponsored by Forkys Foods and Plus Radio 102,6, within Pick the Alien project, which is funded and implemented in collaboration with Blue Marine Foundation.

Find the invitation here.