Sagra re Maccarruna Festival

A Carnival tradition in the heart of Rosolini

The Sagra re Maccarruna is one of the most cherished events of the Rosolini Carnival, located in the province of Syracuse in the far south-east of Sicily. It takes place every year on Fat Thursday in Piazza Garibaldi, the town's main square, where for over fifteen years the locals have gathered to enjoy the signature dish of the local Carnival: maccarruna.

The event is organized by the Misericordia of Rosolini, specifically by the Area 3 group coordinated by Salvatore Cataudella, who manages the preparation, cooking, and serving of the dish. The stand set up in the square welcomes hundreds of people throughout the evening, in a festive atmosphere that brings different generations together.

Maccarruna, the king of Fat Thursday

Maccarruna are a type of handmade pasta crafted according to Iblean tradition: small pieces of dough rolled with a metal rod or a grass stem to achieve their characteristic hollow shape. They are then topped with a savory pork and sausage sauce and served hot, paired with a glass of local wine. In some editions, the maccarruna were made using only Russello wheat flour, an ancient Sicilian grain, highlighting the deep connection with the local territory and its rural culture.

A celebration of community and solidarity

The Sagra re Maccarruna is more than just a food festival; it has a strong charitable dimension. The proceeds support the charitable activities of the Misericordia, and over the years, the brotherhood has also made a point of offering the traditional dish to the lonely and elderly residents of the city. "We want to keep the Rosolini tradition of Fat Thursday alive," declared organizer Salvatore Cataudella, summarizing the spirit of the event.

The Rosolini Carnival

The festival effectively opens the Rosolini Carnival celebrations, which are part of the rich landscape of carnivals in the province of Syracuse and the Iblei region. Amidst music, dancing, and masks, Piazza Garibaldi becomes the town's meeting point: an opportunity to savor popular Sicilian cuisine and experience one of the most joyful moments of the year together.