May Day Festival (Festa ra Scaccia)

The May Day Festival in Chiaramonte Gulfi

The May Day Festival in Chiaramonte Gulfi—one of Italy's most beautiful villages perched in the Iblean Mountains in the province of Ragusa—is a day entirely dedicated to celebration, community, and local identity. Every May 1st, the town's historic center comes alive from noon until midnight with twelve continuous hours of events: live music, DJ sets, dance, entertainment, sports activities, and tastings. The beating heart of the event remains the Festa ra Scaccia, a tribute to one of the most authentic flavors of Iblean cuisine.

The Scaccia, Symbol of Iblean Cuisine

The scaccia is a type of stuffed flatbread typical of the Ragusa area, filled with local ingredients such as tomato and onion, ricotta, cheese, and seasonal vegetables. During the festival, it takes center stage at the tastings, introducing a growing audience to the authenticity of Iblean gastronomic tradition. Alongside the scaccia, visitors can enjoy other local products and traditional pastries.

Music, Sports, and Art for Twelve Hours

Between Piazza Duomo and Corso Umberto I, concerts, bands, live performances, evening DJ sets, and dance moments follow one another. There is no shortage of sports activities, organized with the Ragusa provincial committee of the CSEN, and outdoor offerings like trekking and mountain bike excursions through the pine forests surrounding the village. A unique feature of the event is the involvement of the local Carnival float groups, who set up scenery and static installations along the streets of the historic center, giving the day a colorful and spectacular atmosphere.

A Community Celebration

Promoted by the Municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi and organized by the Municipal Youth Council, with the collaboration of the Pro Loco and numerous local associations, the festival is much more than a simple event. As the administration highlights, the Chiaramonte May Day celebrates work, participation, and identity, bringing together families, young people, and visitors from the entire province of Ragusa in a spirit of sharing that highlights the village and its traditions.