Cherry Festival

A festival dedicated to the cherries of the Iblei

The Cherry Festival in Monterosso Almo, in the province of Ragusa, is one of the most anticipated gastronomic events on the village's summer calendar. It traditionally takes place in June, when the cherry harvest reaches its peak on the heights of the Iblei Mountains. The festival transforms the historic center into a journey of flavors, scents, and rural traditions, showcasing a product that has always been part of the agricultural identity of this corner of south-eastern Sicily.

Piazza San Giovanni, the heart of the event

The focal point of the festival is the scenic Piazza San Giovanni, dominated by the majestic Church of San Giovanni Battista. Here, stalls are set up where visitors can taste freshly picked Sicilian cherries, along with a variety of desserts and jams made from this fruit. The square, one of the village's iconic landmarks, provides a natural backdrop for an event that combines conviviality, culture, and hospitality.

Program and activities

The Cherry Festival is not just about tasting: the program includes a rich range of side events designed to highlight the village and its traditions.

• Tastings of Iblei cherries, traditional desserts, and artisanal jams;
• Conferences dedicated to cherry cultivation and local products;
• Exhibitions and displays focusing on local crafts and culture;
• Parades and folk music enlivening the streets of the center;
• Guided tours through the alleys, squares, and churches of the historic village.

Monterosso Almo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

Included in the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy circuit, Monterosso Almo is nestled among the hills of the Iblei Mountains and preserves a historic and architectural heritage of great value, rebuilt in a panoramic position after the 1693 earthquake. Beyond cherries, the town is famous for other traditional rural products such as cavatieddi, almonds, bread, and scacce. The Cherry Festival is therefore also an excellent opportunity to discover an authentic and still little-known corner of the province of Ragusa.

A community event

Organized with the support of the Municipality of Monterosso Almo and previously supported by the Sicilian Region, the event is deeply felt by the entire community, which welcomes visitors and curious travelers every year, eager to experience the genuine atmosphere of one of the most characteristic village festivals in the Iblei area.