Autumn in Catania: Festivals and Food Fairs Not to Be Missed

Share the article on your social media and chat and help other travelers like you:

Dive into theautumn in Catania with a dip in the flavors, colors and traditions that make the eastern Sicily unique. The streets of the city and the ethnic villages are animated by food and wine festivals and local festivals, where the joy of Meatball Festival in San Gregorio di Catania, the intoxicating scent of Fungo Porcino Festival of Etna in Fornazzo and taste glasses of Eno Etna in Santa Venerina blend with the green elegance of Festival of pistachio of Bronte and the rustic hospitality of Chestnut Festival in Trecastagni.

If you're wondering "What to do in autumn in Catania", prepare to discover the iconic Ottobrata Zafferanese, the medieval atmospheres of the FAI Autumn Days and the sweetness of Ficodindia Festival in Belpasso. For lovers of authentic taste, do not miss the Etna Fungo Festival in Pedara and the characteristic autumn markets of Ragalna, where the festivals of sausage and olive oil are also celebrated. Finally, let the popular devotion of the Feast of Santa Barbara in Paternò, a perfect opportunity to experience folklore and local history.

With a rich calendar of events, these events are the ideal opportunity to taste the typical products, immerse yourself in the popular traditions and live an explosion of taste, culture and ethnic folklore. Continue reading to discover all the unmissable experiences and plan your journey between the festivals and festivals of Catania.

Holidays and Festivals of the beginning of Autumn (September)

Fungo Porcino Festival of Etna in Fornazzo (Milo)

In mid-September, whenautumn in Catania brings with it the fresh air and the golden colors of the forests of Etna, the small village of Fornazzo (frazione di Milo) houses the Fungo Porcino Festival of Etna, one of the local festivals more authentic and loved. In Piazza Sacro Cuore di Gesù, between the ancient lava stone houses and the natural sculptures of the volcanic landscape, there is a lively gastronomic village where the fresh porcine mushroom It is the undisputed protagonist.

A taste itinerary between flavours and traditions

Food stands offer every specialty based on porcini collected in the ethnonean woods: from macaroni with porcine mushroom at creamy risotto, passing through sandwiches with sausage enriched with fresh mushrooms, until Sicilian pizzas and rustic cakes. The desserts, made with the same care, enhance the scent of the forest thanks to delicacies made with candied porcini and caramelized dried fruit.

A village that tells the history of the volcano

Fornazzo, recognized as "Ideal Village of Italy", stands at the foot of Etna, among lava flows and ancient caves. The square of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the guardian of a unique miraculously intact altar after the eruption of 1979, becomes the scene of a festival in which folklore and local history They meet. Walking through the stalls, the mountain breath, an invitation to discover the deep connection between the inhabitants, the land and the vine that shaped the agri-food vocation of this corner of Etna.

Why put the party on your tour

If you're wondering "What to do in autumn in Catania", do not be content with a single event: the Fungo Porcino Festival of Etna is the perfect opportunity to join the passion for the food and wine festivals to discover a suggestive village. Prepare for a multisensory experience made of wild flavors, intimate atmospheres and secular traditions that only the slopes of Etna can offer.

Eno Etna in Santa Venerina

Towards the end of September, with the entry ofautumn in Catania, Santa Venerina turns into a large village dedicated to Sicilian wines and local products. EnoEtna is much more than just a market-exhibition: is a multisensory experience in which tastings, cultural meetings, conferences and entertainment shows they merge to celebrate the true protagonist of the event, the ethnic wine.

A dip in the flavors of the territory

• Etna wines: Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco emerge in all their volcanic nuances, thanks to family realities that have been producing home wine for generations alongside nationally renowned wineries.
• Liqueurs and distillates: rosoli, limoncelli and acquaviti are still born today from excellent raw materials, the result of the centuries-old union between land, vine and local tradition.
• Exhibition-food market: olive oil, mountain cheeses, typical desserts and local crafts complete the offer, making Eno Etna a unique showcase of agro-food products and ethnic crafts.
  

Culture and folklore in the square

• Palio Nazionale delle Botti: the challenge between teams of three "punchers" who, with great strength and community spirit, compete for the victory by carrying 50 kg barrels along the streets of the historic center.
• Visits to wineries: guided tours through vineyards and barrels, to discover the secrets of viticulture etnea and meet the producers who made the history of Sicilian wine.
• Collateral events: art exhibitions, workshops on food-wine matching, conferences on trends in the sector and concerts that animate the festive evenings.
  

Why not lose it

• A connection between culture and taste: Eno Etna answers the question "what to do in autumn in Catania" with a mix of authentic flavors and millennial traditions.
• Multisensory experience: from the glass to the palate, to the sounds and colors of the village, every moment is built to involve mind and heart.
• Discovery of the territory: Santa Venerina, member of the National Wine City Association since 1997, is the ideal gateway to explore the slopes of Etna and its wine villages.
  

Autumn Festivals and Festivals in Catania (October)

Ottobrata Zafferanese at Zafferana Etnea

When you think aboutautumn in Catania, you cannot miss theOttobrata Zafferanese, the most famous food and wine festival in Southern Italy. Since 1978, every Sunday in October Zafferana Etnea has turned into a stage of tastings, music and local crafts, offering an authentic taste itinerary that embraces the heart of the historic center.

Walking through the stalls, you will discover the wealth of Sicilian cuisine: seasoned cold cuts, fresh cheeses, hand-made preserves and sweets made from almond dough, not to mention fragrant honey, homemade ice cream and caramelized dried fruit. Those who love wine can participate in the guided tastings organized in collaboration with Slow Food, while those looking for the authenticity of the territory will be able to stop at the benches of the sculptors of wood and lava stone, embroiderers or expert iron turners.

There is no shortage of moments of entertainment, with actors, acrobats and equilibrists that animate the squares, and the possibility to explore the Etna Park thanks to the Sunday excursions organized along the volcanic paths. TheOttobrata Zafferanese is therefore the perfect event for those looking for a multisensory experience that combines flavors, folk traditions and nature: an irresistible mix for every fan of food and wine festivals.

Festival of Bronte Pistachio

In the heart ofautumn in CataniaIn October Bronte celebrates its "green gold" with the Festival of Bronte Pistachio, an appointment not to be missed between the festivals of the territory. Certificate PDO, the pistachio of Bronte was born on the difficult volcanic soils, harvested "a cocciu a cocciu" – one by one – with techniques handed down since the Arab era.

History and territory

• Etna Green Gold: plant introduced by the Arabs, the pistachio thrives on the lava soils of Bronte, which today house more than three thousand hectares of cultivation.
• Handicraft harvesting: expert hands juggle between black lava boulders to capture the perfect fruits, preserving aroma and quality.
  

Food specialties

Turning for stands in Piazza Spedalieri, you will discover the pistachio in all its declinations:

• Main courses: pennettes and fresh pasta with pistachio flour
• Secondi e salumi: Pistachio sausage, rolls and cheeses
• Dessert: ice cream, "pistacchiella" cream, pistachio cake (also stuffed with chocolate or Nutella), pistachio pasta and the traditional local "filletta"
  

Collateral events

• Exhibitions and conferences on the history and nutritional properties of pistachio
• Shows and concerts that animate the streets of the village, making the festival a true food and wine festival
  

If you're wondering "What to do in autumn in Catania"This festival offers you a unique sensory experience: from the discovery of ethnic terroir to the most creative recipes with Pistachio DOP.

Chestnut Festival in Trecastagni

Between local festivals that animate theautumn in Catania, the Chestnut Festival Trecastagni is a timeless classic. On the slopes of Etna, at 586 m above sea level, Piazza Marconi turns every weekend in October into a lively crossroads of traditional flavors, street food and live music—and the entrance is completely free.

Perfumes and flavours of autumn

• Chestnuts and wine: the perfect combination, with steaming roasts and glasses of local wine to warm the atmosphere.
• Street food etneo: arancini, panelle and chestnut specialties, also available for Saturday lunch for a delicious "on the go" experience.
• Season products: honey, dried fruit, Etna fruit and vegetables and preserves directly from markets.
  

Entertainment for all

• Music and folklore: shows of folk groups and live concerts in the central area of the village.
• Workshops and guided tours: tour of the chestnut grove, cooking workshops with chestnuts and naturalistic visits to discover the ethno woods.
• Games and motorcycles: Family area with games for children and rides on the characteristic Sicilian motorcycle.
  

The Chestnut Festival offers you an authentic immersion in popular traditions and ethnic folklore. It is the ideal opportunity to enjoy local specialties, participate in outdoor activities and experience the warmth of a village that knows how to pay homage to the most evocative season of the year.

Ficodindia Festival of Etna DOP in Belpasso

In October, between local festivals that enrich theautumn in Catania, stands out Ficodindia Festival of Etna DOP a Belpasso. This event celebrates the "desert fruit" grown on the land of Lavici etnei, recognized by the European Union for its taste and quality.

Territory and collection

• Production area: 150 to 750 m a.s.l. in the ethnic municipalities of Adrano, Belpasso, Biancavilla, Bronte, Camporotondo Etneo, Paternò, Ragalna and Santa Maria di Licodia.
• Two blooms: "agostani" (first flowering, harvested in August) and "scozzolati" or "bastardoni" (second flowering, from September to December).
  

Speciality based on ficodindia

In the benches set up in Municipal Villa of Belpasso you can taste:

• Fresh fruit: table fig, juicy and sweet on the palate
• Jams and creams: homemade jams for breakfast and dessert
• Liquors and ice cream: rosols and sorbets that enhance the unique aroma of ficodindia
• Traditional desserts: cassatine, almond paste and aromatic cakes
• Natural cosmetics: fig-seed oil products for skin care
  

Collateral events

• Cooking workshops: show cooking with local chefs revealing creative recipes
• Guided tastings: experts offer combinations with wines and typical products
• Crafts and markets: exhibitions of ceramics, textiles and food products
• Music shows: live concerts and entertainment for all ages
  

Why not lose her?

With an authentic experience, the Festival of Ficodindia di Belpasso is a must for:

• Immerse yourself in a typical product DOP with an unmistakable taste
• Joining a food and wine festival rich in workshops and music
• Discover the vitality of the ethnic villages and the agricultural tradition that characterizes them

Autumn Festivals and Festivals in Catania (November and December)

Etna Fungo Festival in Pedara

In the heart ofautumn in Catania, the Fungo Festival of Etna Pedara celebrates one of the most precious gastronomic treasures of the territory: i Boletus edulis. Organized every year in the Angelo D’Arrigo Park, this mushroom festival unites the passion for the typical ethnic product to the desire to live an authentic experience between show cooking, Guided tours and moments of entertainment for the whole family.

The protagonists of the forest

• Black porcine (Boletus aereus): famous for its intense aroma and strong flavor, it is considered the king of porcini.
• Wild mushrooms: aromatic varieties collected in the woods of Etna, including nails and eggs, which enrich every dish.
• Crafts and markets: exhibitions of ceramics, textiles and food products
• Ethnic combinations: local apples and chestnuts, honey and mountain cheeses combine with mushrooms in traditional and innovative recipes.
  

A food and wine village

At the entrance of the park, stands set up by craftsmen and local producers offer free tastings and the possibility to buy dried mushrooms, preserves and typical artifacts. In the restaurants, chefs and enthusiasts alternate with the stoves to propose:

• Creamy risotto, mushroom noodles and mixed grilled
• Show cooking: live demonstrations of cleaning and cooking techniques
• Family area and carnival: games and animation guarantee fun for children
  

Why put it on your autumn tour

The Festival of Pedara Fungo is a must for those looking for an immersion in Ethnea food and wine culture. Among the events of November, it offers the perfect combination of nature, mountain flavours and rural tradition.

Autumn markets in Ragalna: Festival of Sausage and Olive Oil

Among the events that make theautumn in Catania, i Autumn markets in Ragalna unite the tradition of local products ethnic groups to the magic of a square overlooking the volcano. Every Sunday in November, Autumn Ragalnese transforms Piazza Cisterna into a village of wooden houses, where craftsmen and Agricultural producers offer flavors and aromas of Etna in a context of celebration and conviviality.

Sausage Festival, Calyceddi and Wine

• Local sausage: prepared with traditional recipes, in the classic or spicy version, served with "caliceddi" (roasted homemade bread).
• Food and wine combinations: Etna wines, from red to white, enhance the salami and meat preparations.
• Food and Wine Festival: Between tastings, show cooking and meetings with producers, you will discover the true taste of the ethnic territory.
  

Olive Oil Festival

• "Green gold" of Etna: the extra virgin oil of Nocellara variety, with a fruity scent and a delicate flavor, comes from the volcanic soils of Ragalna without the need for chemical treatments.
• Pani cunzatu: slices of homemade bread seasoned with freshly pressed oil, for an authentic experience of street food ethnicity.
• Panorama and folklore: Piazza Cisterna, called the "Terrace of Etna", offers views of the Simeto Valley, the Gulf of Augusta and even Enna, while markets, music and popular shows animate the day.
  

Why not lose them

I Autumn markets in Ragalna are the perfect opportunity to:

• Explore a local products market which tells the story and the ethnic agricultural vocation.
• To participate in two complementary festivals dedicated to the artisanal sausage and Precious olive oil local.
• Enjoy a multisensory experience between folklore, guided tastings and atmospheres from mountain village.
  

Feast of Santa Barbara in Paternò

At the foot of Etna, Paternò celebrates every year the Feast of Saint Barbara, an event that intertwines faith, history and folklore on a fascinating path between sacred and profane. If you're wondering "What to do in autumn in Catania", this event offers an immersion in ethnic religious traditions, as well as a unique spectacle of devotion and community.

Calendar of Celebrations

• December (3–5): the highlight days see the city liven up with parades of bands, barrels and the suggestive "svelate of the simulacrum" in the dedicated church.
• Until 11 December: the final procession shows the reliquary bust in his bedroom, in a rite of trust and blessing of the city.
• 27 May: "Santa Barbara delle Rose" recalls the miracle of 1780, when the lava stopped in front of the relics.
• 27 July: the "Middle Summer Festival" recalls the translation of relics with historical processions and moments of prayer.
  

Rite and Show

• Carved and indorated varettes: Nine wooden torches represent the city's corporations, walking through the districts to the church.
• Singing on a triumphal chariot: young musicians and actors stage the life of the Saint, among sacred hymns and fireworks.
• Hits from Norman Castle: 21 gunshots inaugurate the feast, flanked by the sound of the bells in a harmony of celebration.
  

Tradition and Miracles

Introduced by the Teutonic Knights, the cult of Saint Barbara dates back to 1576, when the relics stopped the plague, and to 1780, when the Saint intercepted during an ethnic eruption. Even today, the faithful invoke his protection against storms and fires, making this feast a bridge between devotion and local history.

Why participate

• Unique atmosphere: a mix of fireworks show, music and popular tradition.
• Cultural immersion: explores a rite that combines medieval roots and the modern community.
• Living Paternò: discover an ethnotic village rich in charm, among historical churches, lively squares and views of the volcano.

FAI Autumn Days in Catania

Every October FAI Autumn Days turn Catania and province into a large open-air museum, opening to the public historical buildings, churches, gardens and unusual spaces usually inaccessible. If you're wondering "What to do in autumn in Catania", do not miss this opportunity to discover the ethnic cultural heritage through Guided tours, stories of passionate volunteers and paths that combine art, history and architecture.

What to visit

Catania city

• Palazzo Paternò del Grado: elegant Baroque salons and 18th century frescoes.
• Church of the Brotherhood of St. Sebastian: Examples of sacred art and popular devotion.
• Museo dei Saperi e delle Mirabilia Siciliane: objects, traditions and customs of the island.
• Basilica Sanctuary of Maria SS. Announced at Carmine: place of worship and suggestive religious architecture.
  

Province and ethnic villages

• Acireale, Palazzo D’Amico: noble residence with art collections and flowered courtyards.
• Linguaglossa, Church of Sant’Egidio Abbot: Gothic-Baroque transition jewel.
• Rest, Nicotra Palace: views of the sea and historic halls, between wine and maritime history.
  

A custom experience

• Guided tours by FAI volunteers: insights into local history, anecdotes about monuments and architectural curiosities.
• Thematic itineraries: walks between the hidden gardens, the inner courts and the historical libraries of the city.
• Support for heritage: free entry or registration to the FAI, to support the protection and enhancement of Italian cultural heritage.
  

Why include them in your tour

• Discover hidden treasures: places often closed to the public, now open for a weekend of culture.
• Cultural connection: an experience that goes beyond taste and folklore, enriching your journey with local stories and artistic masterpieces.
• Be a local: immerse yourself in the city life, between alleys, Baroque squares and secret corners, to live theautumn of Catania in an authentic way.
  

Book your stay in autumn in Catania

Do not let itautumn in Catania You'll pass by: Book now your stay to live in first person festivals, festivals and ethnic traditions. Choose from cozy apartments in the heart of the historic center or comfortable holiday homes on the slopes of Etna, and prepare for a multisensory experience among authentic flavors, enchanted villages and cultural heritage unique in the world.

👉 Book now your accommodation and secure a front row seat at the most engaging events throughout the autumn of Catania: Etna awaits you with its scents, colors and unforgettable atmospheres!

Share the article on your social media and chat and help other travelers like you: