Sagra · September 9, 2026 – September 13, 2026 · Diamante (CS)
The Peperoncino Festival in Diamante returns from September 9th to 13th, 2026, for its 34th edition! This five-day event is a vibrant celebration dedicated to chili peppers, Calabrian gastronomy, music, entertainment, art, and culture. Held in the heart of Diamante, known as the “City of Chili Peppers,” the festival features an exciting lineup of tastings, food stalls, exhibitions, show cooking demonstrations, live music, street theater, satire, engaging talks, and spectacular shows. The star of the show is, of course, the Calabrian chili pepper, alongside a wide array of traditional Mediterranean specialties and numerous chili varieties from around the globe. Admission to all festival events is free!
Indulge in a culinary journey through Mediterranean traditions and Calabrian specialties, with a special focus on the versatile chili pepper. Explore food stalls offering a variety of local dishes, participate in show cooking sessions, and discover unique chili-infused creations. From traditional recipes to international varieties, there's something to tantalize every palate.
Get ready for an action-packed Peperoncino Festival! Here's a glimpse of what's happening: Wednesday, September 9th: 🎤 7 PM – Official opening ceremony in Piazza Municipio with Elisa Isoardi, featuring the symbolic handover of the city keys to Re Peperoncino (King Chili Pepper). 🎶 9 PM – Enjoy “Fra le sigle… sprinta e vai!”, a lively show by Raggi Fotonici with Maestro Vince Tempera. 🍕 11 PM – Don't miss the show cooking demonstration by master pizza maker Errico Porzio at Carlomagno Arena, complete with pizza tasting. Thursday, September 10th: 👨🍳 10 PM – The “Principe Gourmet 2026” award will be presented to Michelin-starred chef Ilario Vinciguerra at the Radio Azzurra lounge. ✏️ 10 PM – Head to Lungomare Santa Lucia for “Vignette sul Ring,” a live cartooning event. Friday, September 11th: ✏️ 10 PM – “Vignette sul Ring” continues with a live cartoon and drawing competition, accompanied by music from Raggi Fotonici. 🎭 Throughout the evening – Enjoy street performances and artists entertaining crowds in the city center. Saturday, September 12th: 🌶️ Witness the thrilling finale of the Italian Chili Pepper Eating Championship! ✏️ 10 PM – “Vignette sul Ring” returns for another round of artistic fun. 🎆 Midnight – A grand fireworks display over the sea, synchronized with music, will light up the night. Sunday, September 13th: 🎤 9 PM – Emilie Buist performs live in concert in Piazza Municipio. 🌶️ 8 PM – The “Cintura Diamante” finale for extreme chili pepper eaters takes place. 🌶️ 10 PM – Don't miss the European Extreme Chili Pepper Eating Championship finale, a qualifying event for the World Championship in New York. Daily Attractions (7 PM – Midnight): 🎪 Street artists will entertain with acrobats, clowns, stilt walkers, musicians, and folk groups. 🍴 Explore “Mangiare Mediterraneo,” a market exhibition on the promenade featuring Calabrian specialties, typical products, and chili-infused gastronomy. 👨🍳 From 9 PM to 11 PM – “La Calabria nel piatto” at Piazzetta San Biagio will host show cooking by Calabrian chefs. 🌶️ 11 PM – “Peperoncino in scena” offers a nightly gastronomic event dedicated to a different chili pepper variety. 🌎 Visit the “Peperoncini dal mondo” exhibition at the DAC Museum, showcasing over 200 varieties of Capsicum.