Introduction
At the foot of Mount Etna, Catania thrives on contrasts: the fire of the volcano and the sweetness of Bronte pistachio.
The area boasts 3 protected-designation products and 3 dishes of the local tradition and 2 UNESCO heritage sites.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in Catania e Etna:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Catania e Etna:
Festa di Sant'Agata
3-5 febbraioCatania · Dal 1126
Terza festa religiosa al mondo.
Sagra del Pistacchio di Bronte
OttobreBronte · XXXIV edizione nel 2025
L'"oro verde" dell'Etna.
Ottobrata Zafferanese
Ogni domenica di ottobreZafferana Etnea · 45+ edizioni
La più importante manifestazione enogastronomica del Sud Italia.
ViniMilo
Agosto-SettembreMilo
Rassegna enologica dei vini Etna DOC.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Catania e Etna represent the excellence of the area:
What to eat in Catania e Etna
Maccheroni with fried eggplant, tomato, and salted ricotta. A tribute to Bellini.
Granita made with almond, lemon, or black mulberry, served with brioche col tuppo.
Arancino a punta (pointed style, as made in Catania!), filled with meat ragù.
Traditions & Culture
The world's third largest religious festival by attendance, drawing over 1 million people.
"Sicily's most beautiful Carnival," featuring illuminated papier-mâché floats.
A millennia-old ceramic tradition, home to the famous Scala di Santa Maria del Monte.
UNESCO Heritage
Europe's highest active volcano (3,357 m).
Includes Catania, Militello, and Caltagirone.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
59,000 hectares surrounding Europe's highest active volcano.
Historical Figures
Born in Catania, author of the opera Norma, which gave its name to Pasta alla Norma.
The leading exponent of Italian verismo, he set his works in the Sicilian Etna region.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Catania e Etna are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Bronte
Organizzano la Sagra del Pistacchio, celebrando l'"oro verde" dell'Etna, il pistacchio più pregiato al mondo.
Zafferana Etnea
Promuovono l'Ottobrata Zafferanese, la più importante manifestazione enogastronomica del Sud Italia, ogni domenica di ottobre.
Milo
Tutelano i vini vulcanici dell'Etna e organizzano ViniMilo, rassegna enologica sulle pendici del vulcano.
Curiosities
“Mount Etna is Europe's highest active volcano (3,357 m).”
“The Festa di Sant'Agata is the world's third largest religious celebration.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What DOP and IGP products are found in Catania and Etna?expand_more
In Catania and Etna you'll find 3 protected designation products, including: Pistacchio Verde di Bronte (DOP), Ficodindia dell'Etna (DOP), and Vino Etna DOC (DOC).
2What should I eat in Catania and Etna?expand_more
The typical dishes of Catania and Etna include: Pasta alla Norma, Granita con brioche, and Arancino catanese. Each of these dishes tells the story of the territory's gastronomic tradition.
3What UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Catania and Etna?expand_more
Catania and Etna are home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Monte Etna (Natural, 2013) and the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (Cultural, 2002).
4What are the most famous food festivals in Catania and Etna?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in Catania and Etna are: Festa di Sant'Agata (Catania, February 3-5); Sagra del Pistacchio di Bronte (Bronte, October); Ottobrata Zafferanese (Zafferana Etnea, every Sunday in October); and ViniMilo (Milo, August-September).
5What natural parks are in Catania and Etna?expand_more
Protected natural areas in Catania and Etna include the Parco dell'Etna (Regional Park).
6Who organizes the food festivals in Catania and Etna?expand_more
Festivals in Catania and Etna are organized by local communities including Pro Loco Bronte, Pro Loco Zafferana Etnea, and Consorzio Etna DOC. These local associations are the guardians of the territory's gastronomic traditions.