Cous Cous Fest
The San Vito Lo Capo peninsula is a tongue of land stretching along the coast of western Sicily, between two areas of unspoilt nature, the Zingaro Reserve and the Monte Cofano Reserve. A long coastline of white beaches, an emerald green sea and the spectacle of its landscapes make it a Mediterranean paradise waiting to be discovered. Sun, wind, wild nature, the salty aroma of the sea, narrow streets and low houses, large bougainvillea and delicate jasmine form a perfect mix of uniqueness. A peninsula of extraordinary treasures that make San Vito Lo Capo a Mediterranean paradise, on the border between Europe and Africa, in the world's largest open-air museum called Sicily.
Born in the dunes of the Maghreb, cous cous is much more than a simple dish. It is a millennial tale unfolding in every grain of semolina. A dish eaten by the Berbers, it has crossed the borders of the Mediterranean, conquering palates and hearts from East to West. Its preparation, slow and ritualistic, is an ode to sharing. It is a symbol of abundance and fertility, of the union between heaven and earth. In an increasingly fragmented world, cous cous reminds us of the importance of dialogue, of the encounter between different cultures and traditions. Recognised by Unesco as intangible cultural heritage, cous cous is a bridge between past and future and an invitation to celebrate diversity.
Ten days of meetings, tastings, shows and concerts to celebrate cous cous as the dish of peace, bringing together in San Vito Lo Capo, in western Sicily, chefs from all over the world in the name of exchange and friendship between peoples. This is the Cous Cous Fest, the International Festival of Cultural Integration that returns for its 28th edition, from 19 to 28 September 2025, on the magnificent beach of San Vito Lo Capo.
The Italian Cous Cous Championship, promoted by Conad, pits professional chefs from all over the Peninsula against emerging young chefs in a challenge to the last grain. The heart of the event is the World Cous Cous Cous Championship, supported by Bia Cous Cous: a competition between international chefs in the sign of friendship and sharing, the pretext to meet, at the table, and celebrate peace.
Couscous recipes from all over the world can be tasted at the gastronomic village, while signature recipes from Italian and international chefs are the stars of cooking shows. On stage starred chefs, but also interpreters of local tradition.
Every evening, the town's magnificent white beach hosts free concerts and shows. Great Italian and international artists perform under the stars on a stage set up on the sand. Emotions are guaranteed
