Ficarazzi Arancino Festival
Sicilian street food celebration in the seaside village of Ficarazzi
About Arancino Festival
The festival dedicated to the king of Sicilian street food
The Ficarazzi Arancino Festival is one of the most anticipated gastronomic events in the province of Catania. It takes place in Ficarazzi, a small seaside district of the municipality of Aci Castello, along the picturesque Ionian coast of Sicily, and revolves entirely around the ultimate symbol of Sicilian street food: the arancino. For four evenings, Piazza Giovanni XXIII and the village streets fill with aromas, lights, and music, welcoming thousands of visitors from across Sicily and, increasingly, from Italy and abroad.
Arancini for every taste
The heart of the event lies in the food stalls where expert chefs prepare arancini in dozens of different varieties. Alongside the traditional pointed-shaped Catanese arancino with ragù or butter, you can sample versions ranging from Bronte pistachio to 'alla Norma', mushroom to chicken, eggplant to seafood options like squid ink and swordfish, not to mention vegetarian and even sweet chocolate versions.
- Classic ragù and butter arancino
- Bronte pistachio arancino
- 'Alla Norma' and seafood-inspired arancini
- Vegetarian and sweet versions
More than just food: the September Fair and the funfair
The festival intertwines with the traditional September Fair, a historic commercial market that has enlivened Ficarazzi for generations, and a large funfair that is a hit with families. To round off the evenings, there are live music performances, children's entertainment, and folklore shows that celebrate the popular identity of this corner of Sicily, nestled between the sea and Mount Etna.
A tradition that grows year by year
Founded in the early 2000s and organized by the L'Isola che non c'è association, the Arancino Festival has grown into a major attraction, capable of transforming the small village of Ficarazzi into one of the Sicilian capitals of street food for a few days. The event has even attempted records, with efforts to create exceptionally large arancini.
Arancino Festival — edition 2026
2026 Arancino Festival in Ficarazzi
The new edition of the Ficarazzi Arancino Festival is scheduled from Thursday, September 11 to Sunday, September 14, 2026, in Aci Castello, in the usual setting of Piazza Giovanni XXIII. As every year, the village prepares to welcome thousands of visitors with food stalls, the historic September Fair, a funfair, and evening shows.
The stalls will offer arancini in numerous varieties, from the classic ragù and butter versions to those with Bronte pistachio, 'alla Norma', mushrooms, and seafood flavors. At the moment, the detailed evening program, including artists and show times, has not yet been published by the organizers: it will be released through official channels, particularly the event's Facebook page, in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Arancino Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including artists, shows, and schedules for the four evenings, has not yet been published by the organizers. Based on previous editions, the evenings typically begin at 7:00 PM with the opening of food stalls, live music performances, folklore shows, and children's entertainment, accompanied by the September Fair and the funfair. The final program will be announced on official channels in the weeks leading up to the event.
Highlights Arancino Festival 2026
Arancini of all kinds in Piazza Giovanni XXIII, the historic September Fair, the large funfair, and evening music and folklore shows.
Prices Arancino Festival 2026
Practical information — Arancino Festival
How to get there
Ficarazzi is a district of Aci Castello, in the province of Catania, along the Ionian coast. By car, it can be reached via the SS114 Catania-Messina state road; Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is about 15 km away. During the festival evenings, the village is very busy: it is advisable to arrive early and follow the signs for the parking areas set up for the event.
Opening hours and admission
The evenings generally run from 7:00 PM until late. Admission to the festival area is free; you pay for what you consume at the food stalls.
Tips
The event is family-friendly thanks to the funfair and entertainment for children. For updated schedules and the detailed program, it is recommended to follow the official Facebook page of the Arancino Festival.
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Where does it take place — Arancino Festival
Piazza Giovanni XXIII, Ficarazzi
Piazza Giovanni XXIII, 95021 Aci Castello