Scaccione Festival

The Scaccione Festival in Monterosso Almo

In the heart of the Iblean Mountains, Monterosso Almo is a small village in the province of Ragusa, Sicily, included in the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy circuit. Every September, the town pays tribute to its most iconic product with the Scaccione Festival, one of the most beloved gastronomic events in the Iblean region, drawing visitors from across the province and neighboring towns.

What is the scaccione

The scaccione is the signature specialty of Monterosso Almo: a stuffed pastry baked in a wood-fired oven, a cousin to the Ragusa scacce but with a unique identity all its own. The classic filling combines capuliato (the traditional Iblean minced sun-dried tomato), extra virgin olive oil, oregano, ham, and mozzarella, with variations that change from stand to stand. It is a humble yet generous dish, an authentic expression of the peasant cuisine of these hills.

How the festival unfolds

The festival is held in Piazza Sant'Antonio, in the village's historic center. For the occasion, two large stands are set up, each equipped with a wood-fired oven, where the scaccioni are prepared, stuffed, and baked in full view of the public: nearly two thousand pieces are prepared throughout the evening. The tasting is always accompanied by excellent local red wine from the Monterosso hills, and the atmosphere is enlivened by musical entertainment that turns the square into a large open-air banquet.

A recent but deeply rooted tradition

Established in 2012, the Scaccione Festival has quickly become a staple of the September calendar in Monterosso Almo, attracting an ever-growing audience year after year. The event is organized by the Municipality of Monterosso Almo in collaboration with local businesses, combining the promotion of local products with conviviality and regional tourism.

The village of Monterosso Almo

Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover one of the most charming villages in southeastern Sicily: stone alleys, Baroque churches, and panoramic views of the Iblean Mountains make Monterosso Almo an ideal destination for those seeking the most authentic Sicily, far from mass tourism routes. The Scaccione Festival is the perfect synthesis of this, blending ancient flavors with the warmth of the local community.