Ricotta and Cheese Festival – Festival of Flavors and Knowledge
The grand dairy celebration in the village of Verga, featuring fresh ricotta, Sicilian carts, and culture
About Vizzini Ricotta Festival
One of Sicily's most beloved dairy festivals
The Ricotta and Cheese Festival in Vizzini, now part of the Festival of Flavors and Knowledge, is one of the most deep-rooted food and wine events in the Municipality of Vizzini, in the Calatino area, in the province of Catania (Sicily). Established in the 1970s, the event celebrates fresh ricotta and the cheeses of the Iblei pastoral tradition, products that have represented the economy and identity of this hilly territory for centuries.
Three days of tastings in the historic center
Throughout the festival, the village transforms into a grand culinary trail: along the streets and squares of the historic center, tasting stalls are set up to sample freshly curdled ricotta, tuma, provola, and local cheeses, accompanied by typical Vizzini dishes such as 'mpanate, cuddiruni, cassatelle, and nucàtole. The event also highlights other local products, from olive oil to honey from Sicilian beekeepers, which take center stage in workshops at the Norman Castle.
Carts, flag-wavers, and folklore
The spectacular heart of the festival is the parade of richly decorated Sicilian carts, accompanied by groups in traditional costumes, flag-wavers, and folk and musical performances that animate the squares. Between concerts, youth band performances, and evening entertainment, the event offers a complete immersion into Sicilian popular culture.
In the footsteps of Giovanni Verga
Vizzini is the birthplace of Giovanni Verga, and many of his short stories, such as Cavalleria rusticana and La Lupa, are set right in these streets. For this reason, the festival offers characteristic literary walks through Verga's settings, accompanied by readings and theatrical performances that bring the atmospheres described by the writer back to life. Photo exhibitions, conferences, and visits to the town's symbolic landmarks complete the cultural dimension of the event.
An event for the whole family
With free admission, the Ricotta and Cheese Festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over eastern Sicily every year, offering a day designed for families, food enthusiasts, and tourists who want to discover the authenticity of the Calatino area. Organized by the Pro Loco of Vizzini in collaboration with the Municipality, the event combines genuine flavors and ancient knowledge in one of the most representative spring festivals in the province of Catania.
Vizzini Ricotta Festival — edition 2026
49th edition (2026)
The 49th Ricotta and Cheese Festival of Vizzini opened on Friday, April 24, 2026, with a rich program. In the morning, a visit to the Mutual Aid Workers' Society, "Trame di Sicilia" and "Street Photo" exhibitions at the Circolo G. Verga, and tourist reception service in Piazza Umberto I. In the afternoon, informative workshops on bees and Sicilian beekeeping at the Norman Castle and the official opening ceremony at 4:30 PM in Piazza Marconi, with the ONAF delegation and a performance by the "Il Pentagramma" Youth Band. In the evening, an archaeological conference at the Town Hall and a "Seven Steps Project" concert (soul and funky) in Piazza Santa Maria di Gesù.
On April 25 and 26, the historic center hosted tasting stalls for fresh ricotta and cheeses, parades of Sicilian carts with costumes and flag-wavers, folk and musical performances, and literary walks through Verga's settings.
Programme Vizzini Ricotta Festival 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026
- Morning: visit to the Mutual Aid Workers' Society; "Trame di Sicilia" and "Street Photo" exhibitions at Circolo G. Verga; tourist reception in Piazza Umberto I (from 10:00 AM); beekeeping workshops at the Norman Castle
- 4:30 PM – Official opening ceremony in Piazza Marconi with ONAF delegation and "Il Pentagramma" Youth Band
- Evening: archaeological conference at the Town Hall; 8:00 PM "Seven Steps Project" concert (soul and funky) in Piazza Santa Maria di Gesù
Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2026
- Fresh ricotta and cheese tasting stalls in the historic center
- Parades of Sicilian carts, traditional costumes, and flag-wavers
- Folk and musical performances
- Literary walks through Verga's settings and theatrical performances
Highlights Vizzini Ricotta Festival 2026
- 49th edition of the historic dairy festival
- Opening ceremony in Piazza Marconi with ONAF delegation
- Parades of Sicilian carts and flag-wavers
- Sicilian beekeeping workshops at the Norman Castle
- Literary walks through the places of Giovanni Verga
Prices Vizzini Ricotta Festival 2026
Practical information — Vizzini Ricotta Festival
How to get there
Vizzini is located in the Iblei hinterland, about 70 km from Catania. By car: from the A19 or the SS417 Catania-Gela, take the exit towards Vizzini. The most convenient train station is in Catania, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Parking
During the festival, the Municipality provides dedicated parking areas for cars, buses, and campers, indicated via an informative QR code. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid traffic during peak hours.
Admission and tips
Admission to the event is free; tastings at the stalls are paid according to the price lists of individual exhibitors. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the sloping historic center.
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Where does it take place — Vizzini Ricotta Festival
Centro storico di Vizzini
Piazza Umberto I, 95049 Vizzini