Sicilian Artisanal Granita Festival

The festival celebrating the queen of the Sicilian summer

In the heart of Pedara, a charming town in the Etna hinterland in the province of Catania, the Sicilian Artisanal Granita Festival transforms Piazza Don Bosco into a large open-air lounge dedicated to one of Sicily's most iconic treats. Here, granita is not just a simple dessert: it is a daily summer ritual, strictly to be enjoyed with a brioche col tuppo, and in Pedara, it becomes the perfect excuse for a public event centered on taste, tradition, and conviviality.

What to expect

Throughout the festival, tasting stalls offer granita in every flavor and color imaginable: from the great classics like lemon, almond, strawberry, coffee, and chocolate to bolder, more creative variations prepared with local ingredients, such as basil and lemon, prickly pear, pomegranate, ricotta and cinnamon, or even mojito. Accompanying them, of course, are the essential, freshly baked Sicilian brioche col tuppo.

• Show cooking with Sicilian chefs and pastry chefs preparing traditional recipes, unique pairings, and gourmet versions of granita
• Live demonstrations by master gelato makers and local producers on the techniques of preparing artisanal granita
• Craft markets and stalls featuring local products from the Etna region
• Musical shows, live bands, and evening artistic performances
• Entertainment and educational workshops designed for families and children

An event in the Etna region

The event is organized by the Municipality of Pedara, through the Department of Tourism and Leisure, with the patronage of the Sicilian Region. Admission is free, and the event, traditionally held in June, attracts visitors every year from Catania and neighboring towns, thanks to Pedara's location on the slopes of Mount Etna, just a few kilometers from both the city and the mountain's tourist centers.

Why it's worth it

More than just a simple food festival, the Granita Festival is an opportunity to rediscover a product deeply linked to the Sicilian identity, told directly by those who produce it. Between an evening stroll through the historic center, a granita enjoyed in the square, and live music, the event offers an authentic taste of summer Sicilian spirit in a festive atmosphere suitable for all ages.