Mezzojuso Chestnut Festival

The chestnut festival in the heart of Sicily's Arbëreshë community

The Mezzojuso Chestnut Festival is one of the most cherished autumn events in the Palermo hinterland. It takes place in the village of Mezzojuso, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo (Sicily), a town nestled on the eastern slopes of Rocca Busambra, within the Bosco della Ficuzza Nature Reserve. For three days, usually at the end of October, the squares and streets of the historic center transform into a grand village of taste dedicated to the chestnut, the star fruit of the surrounding woodlands.

A village of Italo-Albanian tradition

Mezzojuso is one of the Arbëreshë municipalities of Sicily: founded by Albanian refugees in the 15th century, it still preserves the Greek-Byzantine rite, ancient traditions, and a unique cultural heritage. The festival highlights this very identity, weaving together rural culture and the community's historical memory through conferences, exhibitions, and guided tours of the town's churches and museums.

Roasted chestnuts, flavors, and live cooking

The heart of the event is the Chestnut Village, where visitors can enjoy tastings of roasted chestnuts and local specialties. The gastronomic program includes:

• tastings of chestnuts and autumn local delicacies;
• live cooking shows and demonstrations featuring typical Sicilian products;
• a culinary competition dedicated to chestnut-based desserts and dishes;
• craft stalls and local farm products.

Music, folklore, and nature

Alongside the gastronomy, the festival offers a rich calendar of entertainment: concerts in Piazza Umberto I, folk groups, the traditional Drum Festival with bands from various Sicilian cities, and entertainment until late at night. There are also nature excursions in the woods of Rocca Busambra, workshops, themed areas dedicated to biodiversity, and activities for children, making the event perfect for the whole family.

A long-awaited return

After a seven-year break, the Chestnut Festival returned in 2025 with a massive turnout, confirming its status as one of the premier autumn events in the region. The event is organized by the Municipality of Mezzojuso in collaboration with the Pro Loco and the Women's Council, with the aim of promoting the local area, its traditions, and its products.