Photography: matt northam - Flickr
Palermo, Sicily – July 10th-15th – U’Fistinu di Santa Rosalia
Predominantly a religious festival, this day of tradition and regional pride is also highlighted by its culinary charms. Traditional dishes and produce from Palermo are available, including pasta with sardines, i babbaluci (boiled snails with oil and parsley) and watermelon.
Trapani, Sicily – 23rd-26th July – Stragusto Street food Festival
This is a dangerous one because – if you are anything like me – tasters are an absolute weakness. From chocolate covered crêpes to crusty pizza, this enormous street food festival will leave you clutching your stomach yet somehow eagerly anticipating its return next year.
Casina, Emilia-Romagna – 1st week of August – Parmesan Cheese Festival
If you are an avid cheese eater or just want to witness something new (i.e. how serious the Italians are about their cheese, particularly parmesan) then rest assured that this rustic festival will not let you down.
Photography: Montecruz - Flickr / Tim Lucas Flickr