Piano dell'Acqua Focaccia Festival

A country feast in the heart of the Iblei mountains

The Focaccia Festival takes place in the Piano dell'Acqua district, a rural area within Chiaramonte Gulfi, one of the most charming towns in the Iblei mountains, located in the province of Ragusa in southeastern Sicily. Typically held in mid-August, this event is one of those classic country festivals that keeps local community spirit alive: people gather outdoors under the starry summer sky to share food, music, and joy.

The star of the show: Focaccia

The heart of the festival is, of course, the focaccia, prepared according to the local traditional recipe, kneaded and baked on-site just as it was done in the past. Served hot and fragrant, it is paired with local red wine produced in the Iblei hills. The simple, genuine taste of this country-style focaccia tells the story of rural Ragusa cuisine, made from a few high-quality ingredients and ancient knowledge passed down through generations.

Dancing, games, and conviviality

Beyond the tastings, the evening features dancing, games, and entertainment for all ages. It is a popular festival in the most authentic sense of the word—a collective ritual for the local community rather than a ticketed event. The atmosphere is that of a traditional summer village fair, with long tables, music, and the unmistakable warmth of Sicilian hospitality.

Part of the Chiaramonte Summer

The Focaccia Festival is part of the extensive Chiaramonte Summer calendar, a season of cultural, sporting, and gastronomic events that enlivens the Municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi from late July throughout August. Chiaramonte Gulfi, nicknamed the "Balcony of Sicily" for its panoramic views stretching to the sea and Mount Etna, and famous as a City of Oil for the quality of its extra virgin olive oil, offers visitors a charming setting filled with historic villages, churches, and culinary traditions.

An opportunity to explore the region

Attending the festival is a great way to discover the most authentic side of rural Sicily: the world of local districts, the associations that preserve traditions, and grassroots festivals born from the initiative of the residents. A small event that is well worth the trip for those seeking genuine experiences far from mass tourism circuits.