Etna Porcini Mushroom Festival

A festival in the heart of Etna

The Etna Porcini Mushroom Festival takes place in Fornazzo, the only hamlet of the municipality of Milo, in the Province of Catania, within the Etna Park territory. Perched at an altitude of about 800 meters on the volcano's eastern slopes, the village transforms every September into a grand culinary trail, as the Etna woods yield their porcini mushrooms and the local community gathers to welcome thousands of visitors.

Organized by the Fornazzo Neighborhood Committee with the support of local associations, the festival has grown over time to become one of the most popular autumn food and wine events in the region, attracting over seven thousand visitors in recent editions.

The star: the Etna porcini mushroom

The true king of the festival is the Etna porcini mushroom, prepared by local volunteers in many traditional variations. Along the food stalls, you can taste:

• porcini mushroom risotto;
• handmade pasta and macaroni with porcini;
• tripe with mushrooms, meat dishes, and meatballs;
• local specialties, Etna honey, and artisanal desserts.

The dishes are perfectly paired with Etna DOC wines and Bianco Superiore, available for tasting with local producers, showcasing the strong bond between the festival and mountain viticulture.

Beyond gastronomy

In addition to the food, the event offers a rich supporting program: a craft market, live music in the evenings, folk groups, and street performances throughout the village. For families, there are workshops for children focused on environmental themes and local education, while on Sunday, guided excursions are organized in the Etna woods, where the scent of fresh mushrooms blends with the volcanic landscape.

Cultural initiatives also include the Etna Social Hub at the Chestnut Ecomuseum, featuring photo exhibitions, screenings, and moments of reflection on the territory—a sign of a festival that combines tradition, flavor, and landscape preservation.

Fornazzo, a mountain village

Visiting the festival means discovering an authentic corner of Sicily: Fornazzo is about 35 km from Catania, 30 km from Taormina, and just a few kilometers from Zafferana Etnea. The hamlet of Milo, immersed in vineyards, chestnut groves, and lava flows, offers one of the most evocative panoramas on the eastern side of Etna, making the festival a perfect opportunity to explore the municipality and the Sicily region off the beaten path.