Pistachios from Bronte, image via siciliaparchi.com
It’s called the “green gold of Sicily”, and it’s not hard to wonder why. Pistachios are one of the key ingredients of the centuries-old long-lasting culinary tradition of Sicily: from appetizers to seasoning for pasta, from sauces to desserts, an infinite number of recipes include this legacy of the Arabic domination of Sicily. And Bronte, a lovely town situated on the flanks of Mount Etna within the Natural Park of the volcano, is the world-famous capital of pistachios, where an annual festival to celebrate the “green gold” takes place at the beginning of October.
During these days, this fascinating town becomes the vibrant centre of the beautiful Park of Etna, and all the typical traditions of the Sicilian countryside are brought back to life. The historical centre is studded with stands where local producers, farmers and artisans show all their specialities. Tasting sessions of pistachio-based recipes are scheduled during the weekend, together with live cooking, seminars, live shows and entertainment.
The most sought-after pistachio-based products are the typical “pesto” and the sweet cream indeed – the former as a seasoning for pasta or fish (try tasting it with grilled swordfish!), the latter as a delicious treat, best enjoyed when spread upon a slice of local bread or, at Christmas, of typical “panettone”. Other delicacies include pistachio ice cream flavour, as well as biscuits, pistachio-flavoured chocolate from Modica and cold cuts.
Being Bronte, together with the whole area of the Park of Etna and of the Nebrodi Mountains, a land of tradition and handicrafts, the whole historical centre is turned into a display of picturesque settings typical of rural lifestyle: arts and crafts are brought back up through an exhibit of vintage tools and appliances. A true country atmosphere jazzed up by live performances of street artists and music bands scattered around the town, and a worldwide-known celebration that attracts more and more visitors from the whole Europe and beyond every year. If you chose one of our villas in Catania for your fall-break holidays, you definitely can’t miss this delicious event, check out also our villas in Sicily with pools to enjoy your holidays.
