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, live cooking shows, music, street theater, satire, engaging talks, and spectacular performances. The star of the show is the Calabrian chili pepper, alongside traditional Mediterranean specialties and a vast array of chili varieties from around the globe. Admission to all festival events is free!
Every day, from 7 PM to midnight, enjoy street artists including acrobats, clowns, stilt walkers, musicians, and folk groups. Explore “Mangiare Mediterraneo,” a market exhibition along the promenade featuring Calabrian specialties, typical local products, and chili-infused gastronomy. From 9 PM to 11 PM, Piazzetta San Biagio hosts “La Calabria nel piatto,” with live cooking shows by Calabrian chefs. At 11 PM, “Peperoncino in scena” offers a unique gastronomic experience each night, dedicated to a different chili pepper variety. Don't miss the “Peperoncini dal mondo” exhibition at the DAC Museum, showcasing over 200 varieties of Capsicum. Wednesday, September 9th: 🎤 7 PM – Official inauguration with Elisa Isoardi in Piazza Municipio and the handing over of the city keys to Re Peperoncino. 🎶 9 PM – “Fra le sigle… sprinta e vai!”, a show by Raggi Fotonici with Maestro Vince Tempera. 🍕 11 PM – Show cooking by master pizza maker Errico Porzio at Carlomagno Arena, with pizza tasting. Thursday, September 10th: 👨🍳 10 PM – “Principe Gourmet 2026” Award presented to Michelin-starred chef Ilario Vinciguerra, at the Radio Azzurra lounge. ✏️ 10 PM – “Vignette sul Ring” on Lungomare Santa Lucia. Friday, September 11th: ✏️ 10 PM – “Vignette sul Ring,” a live cartoon and drawing competition with music by Raggi Fotonici. 🎭 Throughout the evening – Street performances and artists fill the city center. Saturday, September 12th: 🌶️ Grand Finale of the Italian Chili Pepper Eating Championship. ✏️ 10 PM – “Vignette sul Ring.” 🎆 Midnight – A spectacular fireworks display over the sea, synchronized with music. Sunday, September 13th: 🎤 9 PM – Concert by Emilie Buist in Piazza Municipio. 🌶️ 8 PM – “Cintura Diamante” Finale for extreme chili pepper eaters. 🌶️ 10 PM – European Extreme Chili Pepper Eating Championship Finale, qualifying for the World Championship in New York.