Tomato Festival in Pachino

In the month of August, in Pachino, in the Libero Municipal Consortium of Syracuse in Sicily, the most famous of local products is celebrated, widespread and loved throughout Italy and exported everywherein the world: the tomato. Ciliegino, Costoluto, Tondo Liscio and Cluster, the Pachino IGP tomato it is present in various cultivars of the area, from Pachino to Portopalo di Capo Passero, up to Noto and Ispica, since 1989.

The Tomato Festival in Pachino, therefore, celebrates a product of excellence and does so by inviting locals and tourists to discover what on the island is called "red gold". Those who want to taste this tasty 0 km vegetable will find tastings at the Festival where they can also try other delicious local products, as well as musical performances to discover the traditions of Sicilian sounds, a dance floor to let loose and lots of fun with the cabaret.
The event also provides for the setting up of interesting stands which may vary from year to year, such as the extemporaneous painting, to admire live the work of local artists.

To taste the unique flavors of the Pachino tomato, you can taste many variations and different special recipes of Sicilian cuisine; among the stands of the fair, many fresh tomatoes, cheeses, local oil, bruschetta, to eat outdoors while having fun at the party, between shows and ping pong matches.

The story linked to the tomato festival in Pachino

The Pachino tomato has been grown in the area between Pachino and Istica since 1989, although already at the beginning of the last century these lands were dedicated to the cultivation of tomatoes. Since 2003 the product has received the mark of Protected Geographical Indication.
To celebrate and make known all the details of this delicious vegetable, the Consorzio Tutela IGP of Pachino has been promoting since 2008 the Tomato Festival in Pachino, an event full of genuine flavors and engaging, both for locals and visitors. Indeed, thanks to this initiative, the Pachino tomato, known and appreciated all over the world, will no longer hold any secrets for all those who come to taste it on the spot and discover its history.

When the tomato festival takes place in Pachino

The Tomato Festival in Pachino is a summer event that takes place over three days, from 12 to 14 August. The party lasts until late at night, with musical performances and cabaret.

Where the tomato festival takes place in Pachino

The Tomato Festival usually takes place in Pachino, but the new location of the fair this year has been moved to Portopalo di Capo Passero, one of the centers in the cultivar area. The address not to be forgotten is the Terrace of the Two Seas.
Portopalo di Capo Passero is located just 6,3 km from Pachino.

What to do during the tomato festival in Pachino

The main protagonists of the Tomato Festival in Pachino are the sweet taste of the red bunches and the tasty pulp of the tomatoes, which is why of course the first thing to do when you arrive at the fair is to taste all the variations and recipes served, from bruschetta to salads of tomato, which you will find at every stand of the Festa.
Those who love music, then, will be able to listen to the numerous artists who perform during these three days full of events, as well as dance or follow the sporting and cultural events that the Tomato Festival in Pachino makes available to all participants.

Thanks to the warm season, the Festival can then become an opportunity to organize a holiday in Pachino, to discover its naturalistic and artistic riches, as well as its agricultural and food products.
In the city, you can visit the Parish Church of SS. Crucified which is located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, an ideal starting point for your tour of the area! The Church was built in 1790 and today offers a magnificent view from above to those who decide to climb to the top of the bell tower. Among the other buildings of historical and artistic interest that you can visit during the Festival, there is also the Tafuri Castle in Portopalo di Capo Passero, with Art Nouveau architecture built in 1935, which today houses a wonderful hotel.

Naturally those who arrive in Sicily during the summer cannot help but spend pleasant hours on the beach, to relax in front of a splendid sea: in the Pachino area, the recommended beaches are above all that of San Lorenzo and the Lido Playa Carratois, but those who love the sea can also reach the beautiful Isola delle Correnti or the Isola di Capo Passero.
From Pachino, nature lovers will also be able to reach the Wildlife Oasis of Vendicari, which is located just 13 km north, overlooking the eastern coast of Sicily and is full of green treasures, such as hiking trails in the reserve, birdwatching opportunities and discovering exclusive beaches.

How to get to the tomato festival in Pachino

Pachino, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Syracuse, can be easily reached by car or train.
Those who prefer to travel by car can reach the city via the A18 Catania-Siracusa-Gela motorway up to the Noto exit and then continuing up to Pachino; those who prefer the train can instead get off at Ragusa Station, which is 40 km from the centre, which can be reached by bus or shuttle.
From Pachino, to reach Portopalo di Capo Passero the road is short: just 6,3 km to go by car or with the tourist bus that takes you to the beaches of the village. La Terrazza dei Due Mari is located a few meters from the beach.

© sunshinecity, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Freebird, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons