Ricotta and Cannolo Festival in Mussomeli

In the hills, in the heart of Sicily between Agrigento and Caltanissetta, the municipality of Mussomeli with its castle dominates the surrounding lands, where for centuries shepherds have raised sheep to produce the famous Sicilian ricotta and rely on the protection of San Pasquale protector of shepherds. Precisely on the occasion of the feast of San Pasquale, the ancient world of rural tradition meets modernity and invites locals and tourists to taste the most typical flavors of the Sicilian pastry , such as ricotta and the famous cannoli.

The Ricotta and Cannolo Festival in Mussomeli is a two-day festival that starts every first Sunday of May and welcomes visitors with good local food, music and shows, also reserving pleasant surprises for tourists who love history, culture and art.

History of the Ricotta and Cannolo Festival of Mussomeli

Since 2015, the Pro Loco, the Municipality and the Congregation of San Pasquale have organized this event every year during which everyone can taste the delicious ricotta and the typical Sicilian cannoli; the event was born to make known to the inhabitants, but also to the tourists, the local dairy production directly on site, enhancing the taste of the delicious dish Sicilian cheese and at the same time honoring tradition, in showcasing the work of shepherds and the results of their dedication to the land and animals.
The festival takes place during the festivities dedicated to San Pasquale, a humble and devout young farmer of the XNUMXth century, who became the patron saint of shepherds.

When the Ricotta and Cannolo Festival takes place in Mussomeli

In May, the month of birth of San Pasquale, two whole days are dedicated to the celebrations of the local product, the ricotta and the Sicilian sweet par excellence, the cannolo.
In this spring month, even the climate that is not yet hot, but rather warm and breezy, invites you to taste the tasty local products.

Where the Ricotta and Cannolo Festival takes place

Mussomeli, the town of about 10.000 inhabitants where the festival takes place, is located in Sicily and is part of the Free Municipal Consortium of Caltanissetta.
The village with its gothic castle it is located in the hills, at an altitude of 765 meters above the sea level.
The appointment to participate in the Ricotta and Cannolo Festival is in Piazza della Repubblica , where the shepherds' stands await you.

What to do during the Ricotta and Cannolo Festival

When tradition meets modernity, what is always released is a surprising atmosphere: at the Ricotta and Cannolo Festival in Mussomeli the first elements to conquer visitors are the genuine taste of dairy products, such as ricotta and very fresh tumaand the scent of crunchy stuffed wafers, but the festival offers much more: strolling through the stands is also an opportunity to get to know the productive process at the base of the local pastry, the agricultural and pastoral traditions of the country, a piece of the island's culinary history; there is no shortage of entertainment for adults and children, because there are also parties on these two evenings cabaret shows , mimes, rides and games that will immerse you completely in the joyful atmosphere of a world closely linked to the earth, but open to the possibilities of the future.

For lovers of history and art, Mussomeli still reserves several surprises, such as the Manfredonic Castle, just a couple of kilometers outside the town, or the Madonna dei Miracoli, the Marian Sanctuary erected in honor of the Madonna who right there where now stands the monument had granted a sick man miraculous healing. Or again, the historian Trabia Palace , Mother Church of San Ludovico. Organizing a visit to the town on the occasion of the festival can then be an excellent opportunity to also visit the churches and castles that recall the origins and history of the area.

The numerous hotels in Mussomeli and its surroundings are particularly distinguished by quality and hospitality, helping to make your stay even more pleasant.

How to get to the Ricotta and Cannolo Festival of Mussomeli

Mussomeli is about 50 km from Agrigento and just under 60 km from Caltanissetta and can be easily reached by car and train.

By car from Agrigento you must take the State Road 189 (direction Palermo) and exit at Acquaviva Platani, while from Caltanissetta you arrive from the Provincial Road 23; traveling on the Palermo – Catania motorway you must instead exit at Tremonzelli or Resuttano, 30 km from Mussomeli.

For those traveling by train it is instead possible to get off at the Caltanissetta or Agrigento stations and then continue by bus or shuttle to the town, about 30 km away.

Piazza della Repubblica, where the festival takes place, is located near the Town Hall, between via Dalmazia and via S. Francesco d'Assisi.