Ottobrata Zafferanese: Sicilian Taste Festival

Ottobrata is the Sicilian Taste Festival which is held every year in a delightful village on the slopes of Etna, Zafferana Etnea, in Catania. The Italian name Ottobrata derives from the month of October, because the event is held in October.
Every Sunday is related to a specific taste theme: the first Sunday was related to “Grapes”, the second one to “Apples”, the third to “Mushrooms and Honey” and the theme of the last Sunday will be “Chestnuts and Wine”.

I took part in the event when “Mushrooms and Honey” were the main theme. Etna’s apples are delicious and honey is a quality Sicilian product. Zafferana is among the largest producers of all types of honey in Italy, such as eucalyptus, chestnut or orange honey.
Ottobrata is a real triumph of flavors and typical Sicilian products. Everywhere you will find all kinds of stalls, which display local products such as grapes, wine, olive oil, mustard, Etna mushrooms, honey, prickly pears, pomegranates, chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts and more.The event winds through the main streets of the town. If you like sweets go to Piazza Umberto, where there are many stalls. You can buy local sweets such as sciatori, zeppole, almond paste, liqueurs, wines, honey, nougat, candied walnuts, pistachio ice cream and cakes. I bought a sweet delicious pistachio cake (yes, I do love pistachio flavour) at a price of €1.50 per share. Do not miss the pistachio ice cream with hot waffle! It is very yummy!!!! 🙂

If you prefer the salty tastes then go to the Villa Comunale, where there are cold cuts, cheeses and jams stalls.You can also taste traditional dishes and even roasted meat. It will be difficult to find your seat, but it is not impossible if you get early. 😉
Ottobrata Taste Festival is a gastronomic journey, but not only. All streets that intersect with each other are characterized by the presence of food stands, but also by the stalls of local handicrafts and art exhibitions. In fact, you will have the opportunity to meet the masters of wrought iron, wood and ceramics, white and lava stone (typical of the architecture of Sicily) and embroidery, and to learn more about the history of the famous Sicilian cart!You can participate in organized tours for the price of €10 per adult, €5 for children or tastings tours and also visit the Museum of Arts and Traditional Crafts, at a modest price of €2.

How to get to Ottobrata Zafferanese

You can get to Zafferana from Catania by bus (AST line). Here there is the AST bus timetable. People go there for lunch or dinner. There will be an incredible crowd, try to get to the event 2 hours before lunch or dinner. The bus takes about 40 minutes to get there (traffic permitting).
I love Ottobrata taste festival, because it is a great opportunity to discover more about local food. Don’t go to Ottobrata if you are not at ease with crowdy places!

What’s the most known Taste Festival in your city? Leave a comment!