A must-see event for foodies from around the world: in Dattilo, a hamlet of Paceco (Trapani), on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th, one of Sicily's most renowned food and wine specialties, the Cannolo, will be celebrated. The Dattilo Cannolo Fest 2026 will transform the town into a vast open-air stage with areas dedicated to cooking demonstrations, themed talks, folklore performances, and spectacular cabaret.
The Sicilian cannolo boasts ancient roots dating back to the Arab domination of Sicily (9th-11th centuries), when a Roman recipe and the Middle Eastern use of ingredients such as almonds, honey, and ricotta cheese blended inland. Legend has it that the first versions were invented by the women of the harems of ancient Kalt El Nisa (present-day Caltanissetta). The dessert was later perfected in cloistered convents, where nuns traditionally prepared it for the Carnival period. Its cylindrical shape owes its name to the cane stalks around which the pastry was traditionally rolled for frying. While the cannolo is a cultural heritage of all of Sicily, the Dattilo cannolo is considered a true sanctuary for lovers of this dessert, which competes for supremacy with the renowned variants of Piana degli Albanesi. The distinguishing features of the typical Dattilese cannoli lie in the hand-rolled shell, which is exceptionally thin, crispy, and light, with a characteristically narrower shape in the center. Another distinctive element is the sheep's milk ricotta, processed "coarsely," which is much coarser and less sifted than in other regions. Finally, the filling maintains an excellent balance of sugar, ensuring the dessert is less cloying and allowing the authentic flavor of the fresh ricotta to prevail. The size is also characteristic: the cannoli are generous, with a filling that completely fills the center of the shell. No decorations are added to preserve the authentic flavor of the ingredients.
In addition to the classic recipe, there are dozens of regional, modern, and even savory versions. The original form calls for a wafer fried in lard (scòrza) filled on the spot with sheep's ricotta cream, chocolate chips, candied fruit, and chopped pistachios. The most famous variation, from Palermo's Piana degli Albanesi, features a rich, sifted, and very fine sheep's ricotta cream, garnished with candied orange peel, cherries, and chocolate chips. In Catania, the ricotta is worked to become almost velvety, and traditionally, the cannoli is enriched at the edges with a generous sprinkling of local Sicilian pistachios and orange peel. For the version from Ragusa, from the Hyblaean Mountains, and from Modica, cow's milk ricotta has historically been used instead of sheep's milk ricotta, offering a more delicate, milky flavor. Then there is the revisited Scomposto (or Destrutturato) cannolo: in which the same ingredients are served on a plate or in a glass, and the crumbled wafer is accompanied by ricotta cream and other ingredients.
The program for the three-day Dattilo Cannolo Fest:
Friday July 3th
The event will kick off at 18:30 pm with the official inauguration, accompanied by the "Città di Paceco" Musical Band directed by Maestro Nicolò Genova.
Cooking Area – Piazza Primo Maggio
At 19:00 PM, the talk show "Tavolo Sicilia – Sinergie Istituzionali per la Valorizzazione Locale" (Sicilian Table – Institutional Synergies for Local Development), moderated by journalist Jana Cardinale, will offer a discussion dedicated to the development and promotion of the region.
At 19:30 pm, there will be a presentation of the book "Gioacchino Favignana, la tonnara, il Rais, mio padre" by Antonella Cataldo, published by Navarra Editore.
At 20:00 PM, the spotlight will be on the cooking show with Peppe Giuffrè and Dennis Sarzana, protagonists of "The Perfect Wedding: Tuna and Busiate," a journey through the flavors and traditions of Sicilian cuisine.
Entertainment Area – Villa Lungaro
At 20:30 pm, "Dattilo Capitale del Folklore" will feature a performance by the Marsala Antica folk group.
The evening's grand finale begins at 21:30 PM with cabaret performances by Salvo La Rosa and Massimo Spata, featuring a show packed with comedy and fun.
Saturday 4th July
The second day of the festival will offer an equally rich program of cultural insights, live cooking, music, and entertainment.
Cooking Area – Piazza Primo Maggio
At 19:30 p.m., the talk show "From the Earth to the Dictionary: Busiata, Ancient Grains, and the Challenge of the Mediterranean Diet in Today's Agriculture" will take place, moderated by journalist Claudia Parrinello.
At 20:00 pm, Salvo Terruso, known as "Il Pastaio Matto," will present a cooking show, where he will guide the audience through the traditions of Sicilian artisanal pasta.
Entertainment Area – Villa Lungaro
At 18:30 pm, "Dattilo Capitale del Folklore" returns with a performance by the Val di Mazara folk group.
At 19:00 PM, the Blue Monkeys will take to the stage for an exciting live concert.
At 20:00 pm, the singing competition for young talents, “Lasciatemi Cantare,” will take place, with artistic direction by Peppe Aleci and hosting by Ninny Bornice.
At 21:00 pm, the public will be able to attend the mentalism show by the famous Marco Bellantuono.
The event will close in grand style at 21:30 pm with a cabaret performance by Toti and Totino, two of Sicily's most popular comedians.
Sunday July 5th
The final day of the event promises to be packed with cultural, gastronomic, and entertainment events, divided into two main areas (all events are free to enter):
Cooking Area – Piazza Primo Maggio
19:00 PM – “The Pro Loco Cannolo” Competition: The Pro Loco organizations of the province of Trapani will compete by presenting the typical cannolo of their area.
19:30 PM – Guided Masterclass: Tasting of 3 specific types of Marsala by Ignazio Perez, Marsala's Best Sommelier 2026.
20:00 PM – Literary Presentation: Meeting with writer Giankarim De Caro for the presentation of the book “Ciuridda” (Navarra Editore).
20:30 PM – Show Cooking: Uncover culinary secrets with chefs Peppe Giuffrè and Ita Galfano.
Entertainment Area – Villa Lungaro
18:30 PM – Dattilo, Capital of Folklore: Performance by the folk group “I Burgisi di Marsala”.
20:00 PM – Theater/Music: “Tanto pe' sogna'” by Rosaria Bonfiglio, featuring Gioele Corso, Piero Corso, Salvo Graziano, and Rosaria Bonfiglio.
21:00 PM – 6th Edition of the “91027 Award – Excellence of the City of Paceco”: The evening will be hosted by Ninny Bornice and Jana Cardinale.
21:30 PM – Cabaret: A grand closing show featuring the hilarious comedy duo Matranga and Minafò.
