Ragalna Cherry Festival

A festival dedicated to the Etna cherry

The Ragalna Cherry Festival is the annual event that, between June and the beginning of summer, transforms this small town in the province of Catania into the capital of one of Sicily's most beloved fruits. The heart of the event is Piazza Rocca, where numerous stalls are set up to sample local cherries, traditional sweets, and regional specialties. The festival has always been a moment of strong identity for the Ragalna community, celebrating its deep bond with cherry cultivation on the slopes of Mount Etna.

The Etna cherry, a local excellence

Ragalna is part of the production area of the Etna Cherry PDO, which includes municipalities on the Etna slopes such as Trecastagni, Pedara, Nicolosi, Sant'Alfio, Zafferana Etnea, and Adrano. The most prized variety is the Mastrantonio (also known as Don Antoni or Durone dell'Etna), a crunchy, sweet fruit with low acidity, resulting from ancient cultivation techniques linked to the volcanic territory. The lava soil and the microclimate of Mount Etna give these cherries a balanced and unmistakable flavor, which the festival places at the center of the celebration.

Flavors, music, and tradition

The event is not just a gastronomic showcase: alongside the stalls of cherries and local products, there are exhibitors of local handicrafts and a rich entertainment program. Folk performances, live music, and animation accompany the day, making the festival an event suitable for families, children, and visitors. In the 2025 edition, the day opened with the official inauguration and closed with the tasting of a cake offered by the Municipality, while a live concert brought rhythm and cheer to the square.

Ragalna and Mount Etna

Located on the southwestern slope of Mount Etna, in the Province of Catania and in Sicily, the town of Ragalna is a natural balcony overlooking the highest volcano in Europe. Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover a village with deep farming roots, immersed in woods, vineyards, and cherry orchards, just a few kilometers from the Etna Park and the main tourist destinations of the Catania area.