Profumo di Zagara "A Scocca"
The Etna PGI Lemon Festival in the village of Carruba, Riposto
About Profumo di Zagara
Profumo di Zagara "A Scocca": The Lemon Festival in Carruba
Every year in late June, the village of Carruba—nestled between the municipalities of Riposto and Giarre in the province of Catania—transforms into a grand tribute to its most iconic product: the Etna PGI Lemon. The Profumo di Zagara "A Scocca" festival was created to promote citrus farming on the Ionian coast of Mount Etna and has quickly established itself as one of the most beloved food and wine events in the region. The name combines two symbols: the zagara, the highly fragrant citrus blossom, and the scocca, the lemon cluster that takes center stage in the historic competition closing the event.
A Quality-Certified Festival
Organized by the Pro Loco Carruba APS with the patronage of the municipalities of Riposto and Giarre and the provincial Unpli of Catania, the event is a candidate for the national "Quality Festival" (Sagra di Qualità ) recognition by Unpli, a mark that rewards events capable of promoting local, zero-kilometer products and protecting local culture. The entire festival revolves around the lemon and its derivatives: from honey to citrus-infused oil, jams, and granitas, all the way to the most creative culinary preparations.
Traditional Flavors and Scents
During the festival days, the streets of Carruba fill with stalls and aromas. Among the specialties featured in the free tastings are lemon arancini, meatballs in lemon leaves, and Sicilian lemon granita, alongside live cooking shows dedicated to local cuisine. There are also opportunities to meet producers, agronomists, and representatives of the protection consortia, who share the agronomic and cultural value of the Etna citrus fruit.
Entertainment, Music, and Folklore
The program alternates between cultural moments, dialect theater, dance performances, live music, and folk groups, creating a festive atmosphere that involves the entire community. The event concludes with the awards ceremony for the "A Scocca" competition, which recognizes the largest, most beautiful, and most abundant cluster of lemons: a ritual that unites the agricultural dimension with the convivial and identity-driven spirit of the village.
Carruba and the Etna Lemon
Visiting Profumo di Zagara means discovering an authentic corner of Ionian Sicily, where citrus farming has shaped the landscape and the local economy for generations. The festival is also an opportunity to explore the territory between Riposto, Giarre, and the slopes of Mount Etna, at a time of year when the lemon groves perfume the air with the scent of zagara.
Profumo di Zagara — edition 2026
Profumo di Zagara "A Scocca" 2026
The sixth edition of the lemon festival takes place in Carruba from June 22 to 28, 2026, in Piazza Stazione. The official inauguration is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at 8:00 PM. The 2026 edition is a candidate for the national "Quality Festival" (Sagra di Qualità ) label by Unpli.
The evening program includes:
- Wednesday, June 24: Sicilian salon "Mediterranean with Lemon" with experts and local producers, cooking show with provola cheese spinning, and free tastings.
- Thursday, June 25: Dialect comedy "T'Aspettu 'N Paradisu!" by the I Sognattori company of Riposto, with a gastronomic tour featuring lemon arancini and meatballs in lemon leaves.
- Friday, June 26: Dance performance by the Movimento Latino Danza Riposto school.
- Saturday, June 27: Musical show "Casting Giro Vela", a selection stage for the national final of "La Vela d'Oro".
- Sunday, June 28: Grand finale with the folk group "La Filiera – Da Lumia", Sicilian lemon granita by master Franco Patanè, the "Limone che delizia" cooking show, live music, and the awards ceremony for the "A Scocca 2026" competition.
Programme Profumo di Zagara 2026
Wednesday, June 24 — Inauguration at 8:00 PM in Piazza Stazione. Sicilian salon "Mediterranean with Lemon" (9:00 PM) with agronomists, beekeepers, and representatives of the Etna PGI Lemon Protection Consortium; cooking show with provola cheese spinning; free tastings.
Thursday, June 25 — Dialect comedy "T'Aspettu 'N Paradisu!" by the I Sognattori company of Riposto; gastronomic tour with lemon arancini and meatballs in lemon leaves.
Friday, June 26 — Dance performance by the Movimento Latino Danza Riposto school, directed by Maddalena and Giuseppe Vento.
Saturday, June 27 — Musical show "Casting Giro Vela", selection for the national final of "La Vela d'Oro".
Sunday, June 28 — Folk group "La Filiera – Da Lumia", video interviews on lemon harvesting, Sicilian lemon granita by master Franco Patanè, "Limone che delizia" cooking show, BMA music, Nora Maison and Freestyle, awards ceremony for the "A Scocca 2026" competition.
Highlights Profumo di Zagara 2026
- Official inauguration on Wednesday, June 24 at 8:00 PM in Piazza Stazione
- Free tastings of Etna PGI Lemon products: lemon arancini, meatballs in lemon leaves, granitas, honey, and citrus-infused oil
- Cooking shows and gastronomic salons with local producers and agronomists
- "A Scocca 2026" competition for the largest and most beautiful cluster of lemons
- Dialect theater, dance, live music, and Sicilian folklore
- Candidacy for the national "Quality Festival" (Sagra di Qualità ) label by Unpli
Prices Profumo di Zagara 2026
Practical information — Profumo di Zagara
How to get there
The festival takes place in Piazza Stazione, in the village of Carruba (Municipality of Riposto, province of Catania). By car, take the Giarre exit on the A18 Messina-Catania motorway, then follow signs for Carruba. By train, the Carruba station is located on the Messina-Catania railway line, just a short walk from the event area.
Admission and Hours
Admission is free for all activities, shows, and tastings. The evenings generally come alive from 8:00 PM onwards, with the official inauguration scheduled in Piazza Stazione.
Tips
We recommend comfortable summer clothing; comfortable shoes are ideal for moving between stalls and outdoor shows. Don't miss the free tastings of products made with Etna PGI Lemon.
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Where does it take place — Profumo di Zagara
Piazza Stazione, frazione Carruba
Piazza Stazione, 95018 Riposto