The 20 unmissable festivals in Sicily in 2026

20 unmissable festivals in Sicily in 2026

1. Cous Cous Fest – San Vito Lo Capo (TP)

International festival dedicated to cous cous and Mediterranean culture, featuring cooking competitions, cooking shows and concerts. It takes place in September and allows visitors to combine sea, holiday and Mediterranean flavours.

What it is
The Cous Cous Fest is one of the most important food festivals in Sicily, created to celebrate cous cous as a symbol of the Mediterranean and as a bridge between different cultures and traditions. Over the years, it has become an international event, with chefs, artists and visitors from all over Italy and abroad.

When and where
The 2026 edition will be held from 18 to 27 September in San Vito Lo Capo, a seaside town known for its crystal-clear beaches and stunning landscapes. The festival transforms the town centre and seafront into a large gastronomic and cultural village.

What it offers
The Cous Cous Fest is not just a food fair: it is a complete experience combining food, music and entertainment.

• Cous cous competitions: Italian and international chefs compete to create the best recipe.
• Food stalls and tastings: sample dozens of cous cous variations—traditional, vegetarian and international.
• Markets and crafts: exhibitions of local, artisanal and Sicilian agri-food products.
• Cooking shows and workshops: culinary demonstrations, guided tastings and insights into gastronomic traditions.
• Evening concerts and shows: live music and performances on the beach, creating a unique and friendly atmosphere.

Why attend
San Vito Lo Capo offers a perfect mix of sea, culture and gastronomy. The festival allows visitors to enjoy authentic Sicily, tasting local and international dishes, taking part in cultural events and appreciating the natural beauty of the area.

Recommended for
Ideal for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine, local culture, music and tradition. Perfect for families, couples, groups of friends or curious travellers.

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2. Pistachio Festival of Bronte – Bronte (CT, Etna)

Celebrates the famous Bronte pistachio with sweets, creams, gelato and savoury dishes. Includes tastings, food stands and guided tours of the historic centre. Usually held between September and October.

What it is
The Pistacchio Festival celebrates the renowned pistachio grown on the slopes of Mt Etna, known for its unique flavour and DOP quality. The event merges gastronomy, culture and tradition, transforming Bronte into a lively centre with music and entertainment.

When and where
It takes place on two weekends in October. The main squares and streets of Bronte come alive with food stalls, exhibitions and shows.

Atmosphere
Bronte becomes a festive village with music, street artists, children’s entertainment and cultural performances. Visitors also discover Etna’s territory and agricultural traditions.

3. Ottobrata Zafferanese – Zafferana Etnea (CT)

Held every Sunday of October, this event transforms the town into a large autumn festival: grapes, honey, chestnuts, mushrooms, wine and other Etna products. Ideal for tasting many seasonal specialties in a single experience.

What it is
The Ottobrata Zafferanese is a major autumn event held every Sunday of October in the historic centre of Zafferana Etnea, on the slopes of Mount Etna. Born in the late 1970s as a market exhibition of typical products, it is now one of the most anticipated events in eastern Sicily, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

What it offers
A complete celebration of gastronomy, crafts, culture and entertainment:

• Typical products and tastings: grapes, wine, honey, Etna apples, mushrooms, chestnuts, sweets, pistachio gelato, nougat and traditional local dishes.
• Crafts and culture: exhibitions of ancient crafts, ceramics, embroidery, wrought iron, painting and photography.
• Entertainment: live music, concerts, folk shows, children’s activities.
• Nature experiences: guided hikes, walks and tours around Mt Etna.

When it takes place

Every Sunday in October. Each Sunday has a specific theme (honey, grapes, apples, mushrooms, chestnuts).

4. Almond Blossom Festival – Agrigento

Spring event celebrating almond trees in bloom with folkloric groups from all over Europe. It takes place between February and March in the Valley of the Temples and is a combination of culture, music, and entertainment.

What it is
The Almond Blossom Festival is a cultural and folkloric event held every year in Agrigento, usually between late February and early March, coinciding with the almond tree bloom. It is one of the oldest and most evocative events in Sicily, known for celebrating spring, local tradition, and international culture.

What it offers

The festival combines music, performances, art, and gastronomy in a unique setting:

• Folkloric parades: groups from all over Italy and abroad parade with traditional costumes, dances, and music.
• Cultural events: concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and moments dedicated to the history and local traditions.
• Local gastronomy: tastings of typical Sicilian products, traditional sweets, and dishes from Agrigento cuisine.
• Temple visits: the festival takes place in the evocative setting of the Valley of the Temples, offering the chance to combine entertainment and cultural visits.

5. Ricotta and Cheese Festival – Vizzini (CT)

Dedicated to ricotta, local cheeses, and dairy products, it offers the opportunity to taste traditional dishes in rural and authentic settings. It takes place in spring, often in late April..

What it is
The Ricotta and Cheese Festival in Vizzini is a gastronomic event celebrating traditional dairy products from the Vizzini area, in the province of Catania. The event highlights fresh ricotta, local cheeses, and other typical dairy products of eastern Sicily, connected to the pastoral and farming traditions of the area.

When it takes place
The festival is generally held in spring, around late April or early May, an ideal period to enjoy fresh products just made by local producers.

What it offers
The festival provides a rich gastronomic and cultural experience:

• Cheese and ricotta tastings: from fresh to aged products, with the opportunity to try traditional recipes prepared by local producers.
• Typical traditional dishes: pasta, timbales, savory pies, and other dishes made with ricotta and local cheeses.
• Markets and artisanal products: sale of cheeses, dairy products, processed cheeses, and other local specialties.
• Demonstrations and workshops: moments where visitors can observe the production of ricotta and cheeses using traditional methods.

6. ChocoModica – Modica Chocolate Festival (RG)

Festival of the famous Modica chocolate with tastings, exhibitions, and sales of artisanal products. It takes place in autumn/winter and is ideal for discovering local chocolate made according to tradition.

What it is
ChocoModica is a gastronomic and cultural event celebrating the famous Modica chocolate, known for its artisanal cold processing and unique granular texture. The festival highlights the excellence of Modica pastry and Sicilian confectionery traditions, combining taste, art, and culture.

When it takes place
The festival is generally held in autumn, in November, transforming the historic center of Modica into a large chocolate village.

What it offers
The event offers a rich experience for all chocolate and gastronomy lovers:

• Tastings and stands: the opportunity to try chocolate in various forms and flavors, from classic to variations with local aromas such as cinnamon, vanilla, or citrus.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations of artisanal chocolate making, explaining traditional and modern techniques.
• Markets and artisanal products: sale of chocolate, typical sweets, local products, and gastronomic souvenirs.
• Cultural and musical events: concerts, live shows, and initiatives that enhance the cultural and historical heritage of the city.

7. Black Nebrodi Pig Festival – Longi (ME)

Celebrates the native Nebrodi pig breed with typical dishes made from black pork. It usually takes place in January or early in the year, ideal for off-season tourism.

What it is
The Black Nebrodi Pig Festival celebrates one of Sicily’s most distinctive native pig breeds: the Black Nebrodi Pig. This pig, mainly raised free-range or semi-free-range in the mountainous areas of the Nebrodi Park, is known for its black coat, sturdy structure, and flavorful, genuine meat. The festival highlights products derived from this breed and the local culinary tradition.

When and where
The festival is held every year in some Nebrodi towns, with Longi being one of the most famous, usually around the first days of January. The event animates historic centers and squares with stands, performances, and entertainment, creating a festive and convivial atmosphere.

What it offers
At the festival, you can taste a wide range of typical dishes and products:

• Meat and cured meats: roasts, porchetta, sausages, pancetta, and other traditional cuts of the Black Nebrodi Pig.
• Local dishes: pasta with black pork ragù, arancini, fried foods, sandwiches, and burgers made with local meat.
• Stands and markets: sale of products related to the black pig and the territory, accompanied by shows and entertainment for children and families.

Setting and atmosphere
The festival takes place within the Nebrodi Park, a mountainous and forested natural area rich in green landscapes and rural traditions. Attending the festival offers an authentic experience of nature, culture, and gastronomy, immersed in the atmosphere of a Sicilian mountain village.

Why participate

• To taste genuine and flavorful meat from a native breed raised traditionally.
• To experience authentic inland Sicily: tradition, nature, and conviviality.
• To discover the Nebrodi territory, ideal for hiking, agritourism, and mountain landscapes.
• To enjoy music, markets, and shows, suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends.

8. Artichoke Festival – Cerda, Niscemi, and other locations

Spring event dedicated to the Sicilian artichoke with typical dishes and traditional recipes. Offers an authentic experience of local cuisine, including vegetarian options.

What it is
The Artichoke Festival is a gastronomic event celebrating one of Sicily’s most typical and prized products: the artichoke. The festival takes place in the municipalities of Cerda and Niscemi, in the province of Palermo, areas renowned for cultivating this vegetable with unique qualities. The event promotes local production, agricultural traditions, and culinary specialties linked to the artichoke.

When it takes place
The festival is generally held in spring, during the peak artichoke harvest, between March and April. Exact dates may vary from year to year, but the event is always organized to coincide with the best season for artichokes.

What it offers
The festival provides a complete gastronomic experience:

• Tastings: typical artichoke dishes, both simple and elaborate recipes, such as omelets, stuffed artichokes, pasta, and side dishes.
• Markets: display and sale of fresh artichokes, processed products, preserves, oil, wine, and other local products.
• Workshops and showcooking: culinary demonstrations on how to prepare and cook artichokes according to Sicilian tradition.
• Entertainment and culture: live music, folkloric shows, children’s activities, and family-friendly events.

9. Prickly Pear Festival – San Cono and other locations

Celebrated in autumn when prickly pears are harvested. Offers fresh fruits, preserves, and typical sweets, and is a great opportunity to explore inland villages and local products.

What it is
The San Cono Prickly Pear Festival celebrates one of Sicily’s symbolic fruits: the prickly pear. The event takes place in the small town of San Cono, in the province of Catania, known for the quality of its agricultural products. The festival promotes prickly pears both as fresh produce and as ingredients in sweets, typical dishes, and local preserves.

When it takes place
The festival is generally held between late September and early October, when prickly pears reach full ripeness and sweetness.

What it offers
The event offers a wide range of gastronomic and cultural experiences:

• Tastings: sweet and savory dishes made from prickly pear, such as jams, ice creams, cakes, salads, and other typical Sicilian preparations.
• Markets: sale of fresh prickly pears, preserves, liqueurs, sweets, and local handicrafts.
• Workshops and showcooking: culinary demonstrations on how to use prickly pears in cooking, from sweet to savory dishes.
• Entertainment and folklore: live music, traditional shows, and children’s activities, with cultural events related to San Cono’s history and traditions.

10. Busiata Pasta Festival – Salemi (TP)

Festival dedicated to the traditional “busiata” pasta, served with typical sauces. Ideal for tasting Trapani cuisine in a convivial setting.

What it is
The Busiata Pasta Festival celebrates the traditional “busiata” pasta, a typical dish from Trapani, often served with local sauces. The festival highlights local culinary traditions and offers visitors an authentic gastronomic experience.

When it takes place
The festival is usually held in spring, a period when outdoor events and culinary tastings can be enjoyed comfortably.

What it offers
The festival offers a wide range of gastronomic and cultural experiences:

• Tastings: busiata pasta served with typical sauces and local recipes.
• Markets: sale of local products, artisanal goods, and gastronomic specialties.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations on how to prepare busiata pasta and traditional Trapani dishes.
• Entertainment and folklore: live music, traditional shows, and family-friendly activities.

11. Strawberry Festival – Maletto (CT)

Celebrates local strawberries with tastings, strawberry-based dishes, and artisanal products. Held in spring, when the fruit is in season.

What it is
The Maletto Strawberry Festival celebrates one of Sicily’s most beloved fruits: the strawberry. The event takes place in Maletto, a village in the province of Catania, known for high-quality local strawberry production. The festival promotes the fruit both fresh and in desserts, jams, and other culinary specialties.

When it takes place
The festival is generally held in spring, during the peak strawberry season, between April and May.

What it offers
The festival provides a complete experience of gastronomy and tradition:

• Tastings: fresh strawberries, traditional desserts, ice cream, cakes, jams, and other strawberry-based preparations.
• Markets: sale of fresh strawberries, processed products, Sicilian sweets, and artisanal goods.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations on preparing desserts and recipes with strawberries.
• Entertainment: live music, folkloric shows, and family-friendly activities.

12. Cannolo Festival – Piana degli Albanesi (PA)

Dedicated to Sicily’s iconic dessert, the cannolo. Includes tastings and dishes made with ricotta and fried pastry. Held in March.

What it is
The Cannolo Festival celebrates one of Sicily’s most iconic desserts: the cannolo. The event takes place in Piana degli Albanesi, Palermo province, a town known for its Albanian-Sicilian culture and tradition, as well as high-quality artisanal cannoli. The festival highlights both traditional and creative versions of the dessert, offering tastings and cultural experiences.

When it takes place
The festival usually takes place in spring or summer, with dates varying each year, coinciding with the busiest tourist season.

What it offers

• Tastings: fresh cannoli made on-site with local sheep ricotta and candied orange peel, as well as creative dessert variations.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations of traditional Sicilian cannolo preparation.
• Markets and local products: sale of cannoli, Sicilian desserts, and other local gastronomic products.
• Entertainment and folklore: traditional music, shows, dances, and family-friendly activities.

13. Arancino Festival – Ragalna (CT)

Celebrates the famous Sicilian arancino with various fillings and pairings. Usually held in late April.

What it is
The Ragalna Arancino Festival celebrates one of Sicily’s emblematic foods: the arancino. The event takes place in the village of Ragalna, at the foot of Mount Etna, known for producing high-quality oranges. The festival promotes local agricultural traditions, culinary specialties using arancini, and regional culture.

When it takes place
The festival usually takes place between January and February, during the peak orange harvest, the best period for tasting fresh oranges and their derivatives.

What it offers

• Tastings: fresh oranges, juices, sweets, marmalades, and other orange-based preparations.
• Markets: sale of oranges, processed products, traditional Sicilian sweets, and local handicrafts.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations on using oranges in cooking, from sweet to savory dishes.
• Entertainment and folklore: live music, traditional shows, children’s activities, and cultural events linked to Ragalna’s traditions.

14. Oil and Almond Festival – Montemaggiore Belsito (PA)

Celebrates local agricultural products such as olive oil and almonds, with tastings and traditional dishes. Held in spring.

What it is
The Oil and Almond Festival celebrates two agricultural excellences of Montemaggiore Belsito, Palermo province: extra virgin olive oil and almonds. The event highlights the quality of local products, peasant traditions, and typical recipes using these ingredients.

When it takes place
The festival is usually held in autumn, during the olive and almond harvest, between October and November.

What it offers

• Tastings: typical Sicilian dishes prepared with olive oil and almonds, sweets, biscuits, and local preserves.
• Markets: display and sale of extra virgin olive oil, almonds, processed products, sweets, and artisanal goods.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations of traditional recipes and culinary preparations with olive oil and almonds.
• Entertainment and folklore: live music, folkloric shows, and family-friendly activities.

15. Zeppole Festival – Various Locations

Held in March, celebrating traditional Sicilian zeppole, typical sweets associated with Saint Joseph’s Day.

What it is

The Zeppole Festivals celebrate traditional Sicilian zeppole, fried or baked sweets often filled with cream, ricotta, or jam. These festivals take place in various locations across the island, particularly around Saint Joseph’s Day (March 19), but some editions are held at other times of the year.

Main locations and highlights

Catania
Fresh zeppole prepared in pastry shops and stands along main streets. Tastings of sweet and savory zeppole, accompanied by folkloric events and live music.

Palermo and surroundings
Festivals focused on fried zeppole, with local variations including custard, ricotta, or chocolate. Markets and family entertainment with music and shows.

Messina
Celebration of Saint Joseph’s zeppole with artisanal sweets and tastings in squares. Workshops for children and traditional cooking demonstrations.

Syracuse
Gastronomic event with classic and local recipes of zeppole. Animation and folkloric performances during the festival.

Trapani and Marsala
Zeppole festivals enriched with local products like almonds, pistachios, or citrus marmalades. Food stands with tastings and entertainment for all visitors.

What to expect

• Tastings: fried or baked zeppole filled with cream, ricotta, jam, or chocolate.
• Markets: sale of zeppole, typical sweets, and local artisanal products.
• Events and workshops: culinary demonstrations, showcooking, and children’s activities.
• Music and folklore: live shows, traditional dances, and family entertainment.

16. Cassatella Festival – Agira (EN)

Celebrates typical local ricotta-based desserts, with tastings and gastronomic stands. Usually in spring.

What it is
The Cassatella Festival celebrates the traditional cassatella, a typical Sicilian pastry dessert, similar to a small fried or cream-filled treat, typical of Agira, Enna province. The event promotes local recipes, gastronomic culture, and territorial traditions.

When it takes place
The festival is usually held in spring, when the climate allows outdoor events and culinary exhibitions in historic squares.

What it offers

• Tastings: fresh cassatelle prepared by local pastry chefs, along with other typical Sicilian sweets.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations on preparing cassatelle and other traditional desserts from Agira.
• Markets: display and sale of local sweets, artisanal products, and gastronomic goods.
• Entertainment and folklore: live music, traditional shows, children’s activities, and cultural events linked to the town’s history.

17. Sfincione Fest – Bagheria (PA)

Festival dedicated to the typical Palermo sfincione, a thick bread topped with tomato, onion, cheese, and anchovies. Held in autumn.

What it is
Sfincione Fest is a gastronomic festival celebrating sfincione, a traditional Palermo dish similar to thick, soft pizza, topped with tomato, onion, anchovies, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The event takes place in Bagheria, Palermo province, promoting local cuisine, traditional recipes, and Sicilian specialties.

When it takes place
The festival is generally held in autumn, when squares and streets of the historic center can host food stands and outdoor activities.

What it offers

• Tastings: traditional sfincione and creative variations prepared by local chefs and producers.
• Markets and local products: sale of Sicilian specialties, artisan products, and ingredients used in sfincione preparation.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations on preparing sfincione according to Bagheria tradition.
• Entertainment and folklore: live music, shows, and family-friendly activities.

18. Mushroom Festival – Castelbuono

Celebrated in autumn with dishes made from local mushrooms and products. Ideal for lovers of seasonal cuisine.

What it is
The Castelbuono Mushroom Festival, in Palermo province, celebrates local mushrooms, particularly Nebrodi porcini mushrooms, one of northern Sicily’s most renowned products. The event highlights local gastronomic traditions, mushroom-based dishes, and artisanal products.

When it takes place
The festival is usually held in autumn, during the mushroom harvest, typically between October and November.

What it offers

• Tastings: typical dishes made with porcini and other local mushrooms, including appetizers, pasta, risotto, and main courses.
• Markets: sale of fresh and dried mushrooms, preserves, local products, and handicrafts.
• Workshops and showcooking: culinary demonstrations on cooking mushrooms according to Castelbuono and Nebrodi traditions.
• Entertainment and folklore: live music, traditional shows, and family-friendly activities.

19. Three Kings Festival – Via dell’Olio, Cassaro

Cassaro, a historic village in the Monti Iblei, offers a picturesque setting with ancient olive groves and typical Sicilian landscapes. Attending the festival allows visitors to connect with local rural culture and olive oil traditions.

What it is
The Three Kings Festival takes place in Cassaro, Siracusa province, and is dedicated to promoting locally produced extra virgin olive oil. The event combines tradition, gastronomy, culture, and folklore, celebrating olive cultivation and local products of the Monti Iblei area.

When it takes place
The festival usually takes place around Epiphany, coinciding with the Three Kings tradition, combined with tastings and activities linked to local olive oil.

What it offers

• Tastings: local extra virgin olive oil, often accompanied by bread or typical Sicilian dishes.
• Typical products: display and sale of EVO oil and other traditional foods from the area.
• Cultural and folkloric moments: parades, representations of the Three Kings, and shows animating the village streets.

20. Chestnut Festivals – Sicily

The Chestnut Festivals celebrate one of Sicily’s most typical autumn fruits, a symbol of peasant and gastronomic tradition. They are mainly held in October and November in the island’s mountainous and hilly areas, where local chestnuts are harvested and used in sweets, traditional dishes, or artisanal products.

Main locations and highlights

Roccapalumba (PA)
Autumn event dedicated to local chestnuts. Tastings of traditional dishes, sweets, and chestnut-based drinks. Markets and folkloric entertainment.

Patti (ME)
Celebration of Nebrodi chestnuts with local specialties. Food stands with chestnut dishes, culinary workshops, and live music.

Gangi (PA)
Chestnut festival with exhibition of local agricultural products. Tastings of sweets, jams, and wines paired with chestnuts.

Sant’Agata di Militello (ME)
Autumn event focused on chestnuts and local traditions. Gastronomic stands, markets, and folkloric shows.

Other Nebrodi and Madonie towns
Many chestnut festivals are held in mountain villages, often combined with mushrooms, wine, and local specialties.

What to expect

• Tastings: chestnut-based dishes, traditional sweets, jams, and local drinks.
• Markets: sale of fresh chestnuts, processed products, and artisanal goods.
• Workshops and showcooking: demonstrations on using chestnuts in cooking.
• Events and entertainment: live music, folkloric shows, and family-friendly activities.

Why participate
To taste fresh chestnuts and traditional dishes, symbols of Sicilian autumn cuisine.
To experience an authentic event combining gastronomy, culture, and local folklore.
To explore the natural beauty of Sicily’s mountainous and hilly areas.
Ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for food, nature, and fun.

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