ChocoModica – Modica PGI Chocolate Festival

ChocoModica, the chocolate festival that tells the story of a city

ChocoModica is the event that annually crowns Modica, a Baroque jewel of the Val di Noto in the province of Ragusa, as the Sicilian capital of chocolate. For three days, the UNESCO World Heritage historic center fills with stands, aromas, and performances entirely dedicated to Modica PGI Chocolate, the only chocolate in Europe to boast the Protected Geographical Indication. Launched in 2014 in collaboration with Eurochocolate, the festival has grown to attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Modica PGI Chocolate, a unique excellence

Modica chocolate is distinguished by its "cold" processing method, performed at low temperatures without conching: the sugar does not melt completely and retains its crystals, giving the product its characteristic grainy texture and intense flavor. It is an ancient technique, guarded by local masters, which obtained the PGI label in 2018. ChocoModica is the ideal showcase to discover its thousand variations: from the classic vanilla and cinnamon to more contemporary creations.

A program for every taste

The festival offers a rich schedule divided into several sections:

• ChocoLab — master chocolatiers demonstrate the live processing of cocoa paste on traditional stone tables;
• ChocoArt — the sculpture competition featuring monumental works made of chocolate;
• ChocoCibus — the gastronomic pavilion with chefs and producers offering pairings between cocoa and local products;
• ChocoTalk and ChocoBook — conferences, meetings, and book presentations on cocoa culture;
• ChocoCircus — the area dedicated to children, with street performers, games, and educational workshops;
• the "Notti Fondenti" — evening concerts and shows that bring the city squares to life.

Modica, a Baroque setting

The natural backdrop is the historic center of Modica, with its churches, staircases, and late-Baroque palaces that have made the city a UNESCO World Heritage site. Strolling along Corso Umberto I between tastings means living an experience that combines taste, culture, and beauty. Promoted by the Municipality of Modica and the Consortium for the Protection of Modica PGI Chocolate, ChocoModica is today one of the most beloved gastronomic events in Sicily.