Etna Porcini Mushroom Festival

A festival dedicated to the Etna porcini

The Etna Porcini Mushroom Festival takes place in Macchia di Giarre, a hillside hamlet within the Municipality of Giarre, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, Eastern Sicily. Set in the green surroundings of Parco di Macchia, just a few kilometers from the Ionian Sea and at the foot of Mount Etna, the event celebrates one of the region's gastronomic gems: the Etna porcini mushroom, foraged from the volcano's forests and the absolute star of a weekend filled with flavors, aromas, and conviviality.

A tradition reborn

The event traces its roots back to the historic Porcini Mushroom Festival (Sagra del Porcino), founded in Macchia in 1994 by Saro Ragaglia. After a hiatus, the festival has returned as a key destination for thousands of visitors, reviving the hamlet's culinary heritage and relaunching it with a modern twist. Today, the event carries on that vision thanks to the Saro Ragaglia Association and patron Alfio Ragaglia, who aim to make it an increasingly prominent fixture on the Sicilian calendar.

What to expect at the festival

• Tastings and sensory journeys featuring Etna porcini: risottos, sauces, grilled dishes, preserved specialties, and other traditional recipes;
• Live cooking shows with chefs reinterpreting local dishes;
• Typical products and stalls from local producers, with a focus on 'Made in Sicily' and artisanal crafts;
• Musical performances, folk events, and entertainment;
• Activities and animation designed for families and children;
• The presentation of the Saro Ragaglia Memorial Award, dedicated to the memory of the founder.

A growing project

Over the years, the event has forged collaborations with local Etna-based organizations, including the Catania Chefs Association, the 'Giovanni Falcone' Hotel Management School, and the Leonardo Agricultural Institute. These are strategic partners in a project that emphasizes training and the involvement of new generations in the food, wine, and hospitality sectors. The organizers' ambition is to transform the festival from a local gathering into a regional event capable of attracting visitors from all over Sicily.