The scent of roasted chestnuts, stalls selling local produce and a stroll through the town: October in Zafferana Etnea is the month of the Ottobrata. The event celebrates local flavours and traditions, giving visitors and residents a chance to discover this side of Mount Etna through the work of producers and craftspeople.
For anyone arriving from Catania or staying in eastern Sicily, it can be a stop devoted to exploring the town, tasting local food and meeting people. Take your time and leave room for the stories behind the products on display.
Ottobrata Zafferanese 2026 dates
The calendar published on the official Ottobrata Zafferanese website lists four dates:
- Sunday 4 October 2026: Grape Festival.
- Sunday 11 October 2026: Honey Festival.
- Sunday 18 October 2026: Apple Festival.
- Sunday 25 October 2026: Mushroom and Chestnut Festival.
The themes can help you choose a day to suit your interests. Check the organisers’ updated programme before travelling for times, performances, tastings and any changes.
A tradition dating back to 1978
The Ottobrata began in 1978 to showcase produce from the Etna area. According to the local Pro Loco association’s account, the event originally took place in Piazza Umberto, featuring agricultural produce and traditional Sicilian food.
Over the following years, it expanded to include space for traditional crafts alongside food. This connection between farming, cooking and craftsmanship remains one of the event’s defining features. Source: Pro Loco Zafferana Etnea.
Flavours to discover
Grapes and wine culture
The first Sunday is dedicated to grapes, offering a starting point for exploring the area’s agricultural traditions. At the stalls, ask about the varieties on offer, where they come from and how they are used.
If you would like to attend a wine tasting, check the programme to see which producers will be there and how to take part. Plan your journey home in advance and choose a driver who will not be drinking.
Honey and the work of beekeepers
Honey plays an important part in Zafferana’s food culture. The dedicated day offers a chance to learn about beekeepers’ work and compare different honeys, where available at the stalls.
Ask where the honey was harvested and about its floral source. Aroma, flavour and texture can vary: reading the label and speaking to the producer makes tasting an opportunity to learn.
Etna’s apples
Apple Sunday invites visitors to discover the variety of local produce. The event website mentions local varieties including Cola and Gelato Cola.
Before choosing, ask which apples are available, where they come from and which are best for eating fresh or cooking. It is a simple way to discover fruit that may be less familiar than supermarket varieties. Source: official Ottobrata website.
Mushrooms, chestnuts and autumn flavours
The final date brings together mushrooms and chestnuts, two autumn favourites. A stop for roasted chestnuts can be part of a stroll among the stalls. For fresh produce, preserves and prepared food, always ask about origin, ingredients and storage.
Sweets and other specialities complete the selection, depending on what exhibitors offer. If you have allergies or intolerances, check ingredients directly with the person preparing or selling the food.
Craftsmanship: discovering the area through its objects
The Ottobrata also celebrates manual skills. The Pro Loco recalls lava-stone carving, wrought-iron work, basket weaving and Sicilian cart decoration in the event’s history.
Stopping at a stall gives you a chance to ask how an object is made, which materials were used and which steps require the most experience. Check the current programme for this year’s exhibitors and demonstrations. Source: Pro Loco Zafferana Etnea.
Planning your visit
To prepare for the day, check the organisers’ guidance and notices from the Municipality of Zafferana Etnea. Special access and traffic arrangements may apply during the event.
Before you leave:
- Check parking and any shuttle services: confirm locations, times and current prices.
- Check the weather: bring comfortable shoes and an extra layer for cooler hours.
- Choose a few priorities: a tasting, a stroll and a little shopping leave time to enjoy the day.
- If travelling with children, agree on a meeting point: it may be useful during busy periods.
- For accessibility needs, contact the organisers: ask about routes and available facilities.
A walk on Etna before or after the festival
A visit to Zafferana can form part of a longer stay exploring the volcano and nearby towns. If you want to add an excursion, allow separately for travel time, route duration and access conditions.
A stroll through town and a high-altitude route require different preparation. Before leaving, consult information from Etna Regional Park and check conditions on your chosen route.
For more information, read the EtnaCircle guide: Etna excursion up to 3,000 metres: route, safety and what to bring (in Italian).
Continue your journey with EtnaCircle
The Ottobrata is an opportunity to discover Zafferana through its produce, people and traditions. Choose the Sunday that interests you, check official updates and make time for small discoveries along the way.
Looking for more ideas for your stay? Explore EtnaCircle’s local guides and resources (in Italian) and follow our WhatsApp channel.
Share this guide with someone you would like to take to the Ottobrata. To suggest an update or correction, contact EtnaCircle.
Editorial information checked on 27 September 2026. Dates and daily themes are taken from the event’s official website; the programme, services and access arrangements may change.
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