July 21, 2026 – July 26, 2026 · Pellaro, Reggio Calabria (RC)
The 24th edition of the Festa della Zagara del Bergamotto celebrates Calabria's unique bergamot fruit with a week of fun for all ages! Enjoy traditional piazza games for kids and teens, fashion shows, dance school performances, and live music with the Taranta Tarantella Band. Special guests include TikToker Barbara 'La Tigrotta'. Don't miss the hilarious macaroni eating contest, a conference on the future of bergamot, and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the festivities.
Indulge in classic Italian maccheroni pasta, a beloved first course, and discover the versatile bergamot fruit, a local specialty used in various delicious ways throughout the festival.
The festival kicks off on MONDAY, JULY 21 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with registrations for piazza games. TUESDAY, JULY 22, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, features a day dedicated to legality and more piazza games. WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, at 4:00 PM, brings traditional piazza games like sack races and tug-of-war, followed by the Perla Blu fashion show at 9:00 PM. THURSDAY, JULY 24, continues with piazza games for teens at 4:00 PM, and at 9:00 PM, enjoy the 24th exhibition of local dance schools (SALSABOR, Dance Music, Pretty Women, Bailando, Danzantes), cabaret, and various artists, featuring special guest TikToker Barbara 'La Tigrotta'. Consolato Malara will host the evening. FRIDAY, JULY 25, has more piazza games for teens at 4:00 PM, and at 9:00 PM, experience the 'TARANTA TARANTELLA BAND - Cantandu & ballandu' musical show by Paolo Scottiotta, alongside a Calabrian vernacular poetry contest. At 11:30 PM, join the traditional 'Ballo del cuccio'. SATURDAY, JULY 26, starts with a shooting competition at TAV 'Il fantasma e il pirata' at 9:00 AM, followed by piazza games for teens at 4:00 PM. The highlight of the evening is the 23rd 'MANGIATORE DI MACCHERONI' (Macaroni Eater) Contest, open to all, at 8:30 PM. A conference on 'Il Bergamotto, Futuro dei nostri giovani' (Bergamot, Future of our Youth) takes place at 8:45 PM, followed by a musical show with a famous Italian band at 9:00 PM. The festival concludes with a grand fireworks display by Ditta Schiavone at 12:30 AM.