Bread Festival of Monterosso Almo

The Bread Festival, a symbol of Monterosso Almo

Every summer, in the month of August, the village of Monterosso Almo — nestled among the Iblei Mountains in the province of Ragusa, Sicily — celebrates its most iconic product with the Bread Festival. Founded in 1986 by the Pro Loco and the Municipal Administration, the event has grown over time to become one of the most anticipated food and wine gatherings on the Iblei plateau, attracting visitors from across the province of Ragusa and beyond.

The bread of Monterosso Almo

The absolute star of the festival is the Monterosso homemade bread, still prepared today using artisanal methods and baked in stone ovens, following recipes passed down from generation to generation. Fragrant and aromatic, it is prized throughout the Iblei territory for its high quality and is sold far beyond the village borders. During the festival, local bakers distribute hundreds of loaves, served according to tradition: seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, caciocavallo cheese, and the characteristic capuliato, the sun-dried tomato mince typical of Iblei cuisine.

Between Piazza San Giovanni and rural culture

The heart of the festival is Piazza San Giovanni, in the historic center of the village, where tasting stands are set up. The bread is accompanied by red wine from the Monterosso hills, completing a culinary journey that tells the story of the rural culture and collective memory of the village. The event is part of the festivities in honor of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint and protector of Monterosso Almo, thus blending popular devotion with gastronomic tradition.

Folklore and entertainment

The evenings of the festival are enlivened by folkloric, musical, and entertainment shows that draw families and curious visitors to the village streets. The festival, also promoted through projects linked to the Iblei grain supply chain, confirms the deep bond between Monterosso Almo, its agriculture, and the art of baking.