Arancino Festival

The Sicilian Arancino Festival in Aci Sant'Antonio

In Aci Sant'Antonio, a town in the Metropolitan City of Catania on the slopes of Mount Etna, the Arancino Festival has become a highly anticipated end-of-summer tradition. The event takes place in the village of Lavina, in Piazza Lavina, paying tribute to one of the most recognizable symbols of Sicilian street food: the arancino, crispy on the outside and rich in flavor on the inside.

An event born from the local youth

The festival is organized by the Aci Sant'Antonio Youth Council, with the patronage of the Municipality and, in some editions, the support of the regional Department of Agriculture. It is a project that has grown year after year: as Mayor Quintino Rocca noted, it is "an event that has evolved over time" to become a true landmark of the late summer in the region. Recent editions have seen over 2,500 arancini distributed, a testament to the strong community participation.

All the varieties of arancino

The heart of the festival is, naturally, gastronomic. The stalls offer the arancino in countless versions:

• the classic ragù (meat sauce);
• gourmet variations, from Sicilian pistachio to butter;
• creative versions with mushrooms, chicken, eggplant, pesto, and other combinations;
• alongside other Sicilian specialties such as cannoli, panelle, granitas, and local wines.

Music, shows, and atmosphere

Beyond the food, the evening comes alive with live music, entertainment, folklore, street performers, and activities designed for audiences of all ages, including children. Past editions have featured unique shows, such as a laser light performance dedicated to Coldplay, as well as comedy acts and workshops to engage visitors.

A chance to rediscover local flavors

The Arancino Festival is designed as a convivial and free event for tourists and locals alike, a way to rediscover the authentic flavors of the Etna area in a festive village atmosphere. In Aci Sant'Antonio, in the province of Catania, it stands out as one of the many food festivals that bring the Etna region to life during the month of September.