Cannolo Festival in Aci Bonaccorsi

The Sicilian cannolo is certainly one of the specialties most loved of Sicilian cuisine and pastry but few know that in Aci Bonaccorsi, in the province of Catania, there is a festival entirely dedicated to this delicacy. Here's everything you need to know to take part in this tasty event.

What is the Sicilian Cannolo Festival in Aci Bonaccorsi

It is a festival entirely dedicated to the Sicilian cannoli, with this typical dessert that is the great protagonist of the three-day event during which not only can you taste the cannoli prepared in an artisanal way and according to tradition but above all it will be possible to participate to many other events that aim to bring local tradition to light.

The festival has a very recent origin but in the course of its short life it has nevertheless been able to conquer everyone's hearts, and above all the palates. Thanks also to the very particular setting given that it is the smallest village in the province of Catania, already in the Guinness Book of Records for this reason.

But to the headlines the event also jumped because during the party that took place in 2021 the largest cannoli in the world and the organizers are intent on the years to come to break that record.

The history of the Sicilian Cannolo Festival

That of 2022 will be the fourth edition of the festival held in Aci Bonaccorsi and which aims to bring this typical Sicilian dessert back to the center of attention of all visitors.

The event is organized every year on the initiative of the Fratres association and its volunteers who commit themselves every year to ensure that the calendar of appointments is full of events of all kinds, not only dedicated to cannolo tasting but which also bring the story of a millenary village.

To help in the organization also another association, La Stella dei Venti, which has the aim of territorial promotion, so much so that the event can boast the patronage of the Municipality of Aci Bonaccorsi. In any case, the fame of the festival has crossed far beyond the municipal borders as visitors flock from all over the region and beyond.

When the Sicilian Cannolo Festival takes place in Aci Bonaccorsi

The date of the Sicilian Cannolo Festival in Aci Bonaccorsi varies in the sense that every year it can be organized in a different weekend. The constant, however, is that it takes place in the month of May since this is the period in which the event has taken place since the first edition.

The festival lasts 3 days and includes a rich calendar of events that take place throughout the days of the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

If the cannolo is obviously the great protagonist of the event, all Sicilian cuisine keeps it company, with some ingredients in particular such as ricotta, pistachio and other typical local products. However, there are also many craft stands to discover more closely the richness of this area on the outskirts of Catania.

Where the Cannolo Festival is held

The Cannolo Festival is held in Aci Bonaccorsi, what is considered (and certified by the Guinness Book of Records) the smallest village in the province of Catania.

The locality is located 362 meters above sea level, slopes down to the surrounding hills and is considered the residential suburb of the city, the place where you can move to live away from the frenetic pace of the metropolis but at the same time close to all services .

The village is very characteristic as it is surrounded by citrus groves, vineyards and hills dedicated to the production of fruit which slope directly towards the sea, giving its products that typical flavor that can only be found here.

The festival is organized in the main square of the town, Piazza della Repubblica, and in all the surrounding alleys.

What to do during the Sicilian Cannolo Festival in Aci Bonaccorsi

The Sicilian Cannolo Festival in Aci Bonaccorsi is not only a very important gastronomic event, even if obviously the sweets and Sicilian cuisine are great protagonists.

Every year the calendar of events held in these three days is enriched with many different activities such as shows cabaret, live music, beauty contests and of course craft stands where you can buy many different objects, all rigorously handmade according to local tradition.

Furthermore, from the 2018 edition onwards, every year the local pastry chefs try to beat their personal best by making the largest cannoli in the world. The feat was successful for the first time during the 2018 edition when a cannoli almost 17 meters long was prepared for a total weight of 130 kg, then divided into a tasting portion offered to all visitors on the final day of the event .

How to reach Aci Bonaccorsi

Aci Bonaccorsi is very easy to reach as it is located just outside Catania. The locality can be reached both by taking the A18 and the A19 motorways, with the Acireale or Catania center exits.

From there it is then necessary to take the RA 15 which leads directly to the destination. For those who prefer to arrive by train, the closest station is that of Acireale from which you can then continue to Aci Bonaccorsi with the public bus service.