Festival of Flavours and Scacciata Scordiense

A festival dedicated to the scacciata of Scordia

In the heart of eastern Sicily, the Festival of Flavours and Scacciata Scordiense brings the historic centre of Scordia, in the province of Catania, to life for three days. Promoted by the local municipality in collaboration with a dedicated committee, the event was created to celebrate and protect the scacciata scordiense, a baked specialty that has represented the town's gastronomic identity for centuries.

The scacciata: three centuries of peasant history

The scacciata of Scordia has its roots in the 17th century, when it was a simple peasant dish made from humble ingredients found in the Sicilian countryside. Over time, this ancient food gained popularity, eventually reaching noble tables in 1763 thanks to Prince Moncada of Paternò, who included it in his Christmas menu. To this day, every Scordia family jealously guards its own recipe, passed down from generation to generation.

The path to DE.C.O. status

The festival marks an important milestone in the protection and promotion of the scacciata, which has been granted Municipal Designation of Origin (DE.C.O.) status—a tool used by local administrations to safeguard iconic local products. This recognition officially enshrines its historical and cultural value as a gastronomic excellence of the Municipality of Scordia and Sicily.

What to experience in Piazza San Rocco

The heart of the event is Piazza San Rocco, where stalls are set up for tasting the scacciata and the local products used for its fillings. The programme alternates between culinary delights and entertainment:

• Live cooking shows dedicated to the preparation of the scacciata, with local masters at work;
• Musical performances, ranging from the rockabilly sounds of Danny D and The Hot Billies to the traditional melodies of the duo Le Sikelia, featuring guitar, vocals, marranzano, and drums;
• Cuntu and puppet theatre with the show "U Cavadduzzu Fatatu" by Salvatore Ragusa and Giorgio Maltese of the Casentuli;
• Folkloric performances and traditional Sicilian dances;
• Rallies of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and vintage cars, plus a bicycle rally promoting eco-friendly urban living with a tour of historical sites;
• Exhibitions of Sicilian crafts and creative workshops for adults and children in the town's historic buildings.

An opportunity to discover Scordia

Beyond the gastronomy, the festival is an invitation to discover Scordia and its heritage: between guided tastings, art exhibitions, and itineraries through historic palaces, visitors enjoy an experience that weaves together flavours, music, and popular traditions. An event that captures the authentic soul of this corner of the Catania province.