Assoro Arancino Festival

A festival that smells of Sicily

The Assoro Arancino Festival celebrates what is perhaps the most beloved symbol of Sicilian street food: the arancino, the rice ball covered in a crunchy golden breading and fried in boiling oil. Alongside the classic ragù filling, there are many variations that are part of the island's tradition, from butter to spinach and ricotta, each with its own character. The event takes place in the historic center of Assoro, a small village perched at an altitude of 850 meters in the Erei Mountains, in the province of Enna, in the heart of Sicily.

Much more than just a tasting

What makes this festival special is its close bond with the town's heritage. In addition to exhibition stands and arancino tastings, the event offers guided tours of Assoro's monuments, transforming a simple gastronomic feast into an opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating villages in the Sicilian hinterland. Among the places that can be admired are the Basilica of San Leone, declared a national monument, the Church and Convent of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Mining Tradition Museum, and the ruins of the Norman Castle that dominates the valley.

The sulfur village

Assoro is a town of just over five thousand inhabitants that preserves its medieval soul intact: stone alleys, stairways, and the elegant Palazzo della Signoria in Catalan style, connected to the Basilica by a striking round arch. The area is linked to the history of sulfur mining, which provided work for the inhabitants for generations and is now recounted in the town museum. Walking through Assoro during the festival means breathing in the most authentic Sicily, that of the small inland towns, far from mass tourism routes.

Why it's worth it

• Taste the arancino prepared according to local tradition
• Discover one of the highest and most evocative medieval villages in the province of Enna
• Participate in guided tours of the monuments, from the Basilica to the Castle
• Experience the genuine atmosphere of a Sicilian village festival

The Arancino Festival is organized by the Municipality of Assoro and is usually held in September. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: it is advisable to check the Municipality's channels in the weeks leading up to the event.