If you're planning a trip to Sicily at the end of October, you're in for a treat! Sicily in autumn bursts with flavors, traditions, and festivals that celebrate the rich heritage of the island. From the slopes of Mount Etna to the heart of the Madonie Mountains, the region comes alive with events where food, culture, and community merge in perfect harmony. Here are some highlights for your Sicilian adventure.
1. Ottobrata Zafferanese – Zafferana Etnea (October 6, 13, 20, 27)
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, Zafferana Etnea hosts one of Sicily's most popular autumn festivals, the Ottobrata Zafferanese. Every Sunday in October, the town transforms into a lively marketplace where local vendors sell honey, mushrooms, chestnuts, and wine, all products of the volcanic soil. You’ll find dishes like wild mushroom pasta and freshly roasted chestnuts, alongside Sicilian classics like cannoli. The festival also includes live music, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities, all set against the backdrop of the majestic volcano. A visit here offers a perfect blend of nature, food, and tradition.
1. Ottobrata Zafferanese – Zafferana Etnea
Dates: October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2024Hours: From 10:00 AM to late evening
How to get there:
By car: From Catania, take the A18 motorway towards Messina, exit at Giarre, and follow the signs to Zafferana. There are designated parking areas with free shuttle buses to the center.
By public transport: From Catania, buses by the AST company head to Zafferana regularly.
Entry fees:
Free admission.
What to see:
Each Sunday focuses on a different local product: grapes, honey, apples, mushrooms, and chestnuts. You can enjoy food tastings, craft markets, live music, and nature excursions around Mount Etna.
What to buy:
Local specialties like honey, porcini mushrooms, Etna wine, and Sicilian sweets such as cannoli and cassata.
Website:
2. Festa dei Sapori Madoniti d'Autunno – Petralia Sottana (October 25-27)
For an authentic taste of Sicily's mountain culture, head to Petralia Sottana in the Madonie Mountains for the Festa dei Sapori Madoniti d'Autunno. This festival is a celebration of the region’s rich autumnal harvest, featuring mushrooms, chestnuts, walnuts, and honey. Walking through the town, you can savor the best of local cuisine with dishes prepared by skilled chefs using traditional recipes passed down through generations. Besides food, there are cultural activities, craft markets, and live folk music, making it a great way to dive into Sicilian culture in one of the island's most picturesque mountain towns.
Festa dei Sapori Madoniti d'Autunno – Petralia Sottana
Dates: October 25-27, 2024
How to get there:
By car: From Palermo, take the A19 motorway and exit at Tremonzelli, then follow signs to Petralia Sottana.
By public transport: SAIS buses run from Palermo to Petralia Sottana.
Entry fees:
Free admission. Some activities and tastings may have a fee.
What to see:
The festival showcases the region's best local products, including mushrooms, honey, cheese, and olive oil. There will be music performances, craft markets, and outdoor excursions through the Madonie Mountains.
What to buy:
Local specialties like wild mushrooms, honey, cheese, and olive oil from the Madonie region.
3. Funghi Fest – Castelbuono (October 25-27)
Castelbuono, located in the heart of the Madonie Mountains, is known for its lush forests, which are ideal for foraging wild mushrooms. During the Funghi Fest, the entire town celebrates these treasures of the forest with cooking demonstrations, food stalls, and wine tastings. The star of the event is, of course, the porcini mushroom, used in everything from risottos to sauces, and even pastries. You can also explore the town’s historical sites, such as the famous Castelbuono Castle, while enjoying performances of local music and dance.
Dates: October 25-27, 2024Hours: From 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
How to get there:
By car: From Palermo, take the A20 motorway towards Messina, exit at Cefalù, and follow signs to Castelbuono. Parking is available near the festival area.
By public transport: Buses from SAIS go from Palermo to Cefalù, with connections to Castelbuono.
Entry fees:
Free admission. Some tastings may require a small fee.
What to see:
The historic town hosts cooking demonstrations, mushroom tastings, guided tours of the Ventimiglia Castle, and hikes through the Madonie forests.
What to buy:
Fresh and dried porcini mushrooms, local wines, olive oil, and artisan products from the Madonie region.
Website:
4. Sagra del Ficodindia dell'Etna – Belpasso (October 25-27)
If you've never tasted a prickly pear, this festival is the perfect introduction! The Sagra del Ficodindia in Belpasso is all about celebrating this distinctive fruit that thrives in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. The event showcases creative uses of the prickly pear in dishes ranging from salads to desserts. You’ll also find prickly pear liqueurs, jams, and other sweet treats. Alongside the culinary offerings, the festival includes live music, artisanal markets, and cultural exhibitions, all set within the charming town of Belpasso.
Sagra del Ficodindia dell'Etna – Belpasso
Dates: October 25-27, 2024
How to get there:
By car: From Catania, take the SS121 road towards Belpasso. There are designated parking lots near the festival.
By public transport: Buses by AST operate from Catania to Belpasso.
Entry fees:
Free admission.
What to see:
This festival celebrates the prickly pear (ficodindia) with food stands offering creative dishes and products made from the fruit. Enjoy live music, artisan markets, and cultural exhibitions.
What to buy:
Fresh prickly pear, jams, liqueurs, and skin-care products made from the fruit.
5. Festa del Castagno – Trecastagni (October 27-29)
In the picturesque town of Trecastagni, on the slopes of Mount Etna, the Festa del Castagno celebrates the humble chestnut, a staple of autumn. Visitors can enjoy roasted chestnuts, chestnut cakes, and even chestnut beer while exploring the local craft markets and listening to live folk music. The festival also features historical reenactments and traditional Sicilian dancing, making it a fun event for all ages. It’s a chance to experience the rustic charm of Sicily’s countryside while enjoying one of the island’s most beloved autumn foods.
Festa del Castagno – Trecastagni
Dates: October 27-29, 2024
How to get there:
By car: Trecastagni is about 20 km from Catania. Take the SP92 road to reach the town. Ample parking is available.
By public transport: AST buses operate from Catania to Trecastagni.
Entry fees:
Free admission.
What to see:
Visitors can enjoy live music, exhibitions, and tastings of chestnut-based dishes. The event also includes visits to the Mother Church of Trecastagni and scenic walks in the surrounding Etna area.
What to buy:
Fresh chestnuts, chestnut flour, chestnut cakes, and local products like honey and wine.
These festivals offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Sicily, where food is not just sustenance but a celebration of life and community. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of Sicily in autumn, these events promise an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to taste the true essence of Sicily!
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