Grape Harvest Festival — The Harvest and its Traditions

A festival celebrating the farming heritage of Mount Etna

The Grape Harvest Festival in Viagrande, subtitled «The Harvest and its Traditions», is one of the most cherished events on the autumn calendar for the southern slopes of Mount Etna. Established in the early 1990s, the event has now surpassed thirty-five editions, becoming a cornerstone for promoting the winemaking and agricultural culture of the municipality of Viagrande, in the province of Catania, Sicily.

The re-enactment of grape pressing

The heart of the festival is the historical re-enactment of grape pressing: inside an ancient palmento (traditional stone winery) reconstructed in the park, performers in period costumes demonstrate the pistatina, the traditional method of crushing grapes with bare feet as passed down by Etna's winemakers. Alongside this, the preparation of grape mustard follows ancient recipes, with free tastings offered to visitors, complemented by an exhibition on wine culture hosted in the park's cellar.

The Regional Folklore Festival

The Grape Harvest Festival has always been a major folklore festival: every evening, the stage hosts folk groups from across Sicily, featuring traditional songs, dances, and folk music. The days are brought to life by the harvesters' parade, with Sicilian carts and traditional costumes winding through the park and the town streets.

Crafts, flavors, and entertainment

Along the paths of the Antonio Aniante Municipal Park, visitors will find a craft market showcasing local products, with demonstrations of ancient trades such as the weaving of fasce di giunco (reed bands) and panari in vimini (wicker baskets). There are also food stalls dedicated to local delicacies and musical evenings featuring live performances, which have hosted tribute bands and Sicilian singer-songwriters over the years.

An event for the whole family

With its free admission and welcoming atmosphere, the Grape Harvest Festival is designed for all ages: an opportunity to rediscover the agricultural roots of Viagrande, savor the flavors of the harvest, and experience a tradition that the municipality and the local community have carefully preserved for over three decades in the greenery of Parco Aniante.