A culinary and cultural experience that unites the world
The Cous Cous Fest is much more than just a gastronomic festival. It is a unique experience that celebrates cultural diversity and integration through the dish that symbolises the Mediterranean : couscous. Every year, at the end of September, San Vito Lo Capo, a picturesque town in the province of Trapani, is transformed into a lively crossroads of flavours, music and traditions from every corner of the globe.
La storia del Cous Cous Fest: un ponte tra le culture
The idea of the Cous Cous Fest was born in 1998 with the aim of promoting peace and integration between peoples through cuisine. Since then, the festival has grown exponentially, becoming an unmissable event for lovers of good food and culture. Every year, chefs from all over the world compete in the preparation of cous cous recipes , showcasing the versatility of this dish and the richness of their countries ‘ culinary traditions .
Couscous : a thousand-year journey across the Mediterranean
Couscous is an ancient dish whose origins are lost in the mists of time. It is believed to have originated in the Maghreb area, between Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, as early as the 12th century, before spreading throughout the Mediterranean thanks to trade and migration. Its preparation, based on steam-cooked durum wheat semolina, requires patience and skill, and is often a moment of sharing and conviviality.
Cous cous in the province of Trapani: an Arab-Norman heritage
The history of cous cous in the province of Trapani is linked to Arab-Norman domination, which left an indelible mark on the local culture and cuisine. Cous cous alla Trapanese, with its rich fish broth, is a perfect example of this fusion of influences. Tradition has it that cous cous was prepared by the women of the house, who would get together to ‘incocciare’ the semolina, i.e. work it with water and salt until small grains were obtained. Today, cous cous is a symbolic dish in the province of Trapani, present on every special occasion and family feast.
The Cous Cous Fest atmosphere: a riot of colours and flavours
During the Cous Cous Fest, San Vito Lo Capo comes alive with a festive and engaging atmosphere. The streets fill with stalls offering tastings of cous cous from all over the world, while musicians and street artists entertain the public with shows and performances. The highlight of the festival is the international cous cous competition, during which world-renowned chefs compete in the preparation of original and tasty dishes. But Cous Cous Fest is not just about food: Concerts, exhibitions, cultural meetings and children’s activities complete the programme, offering an all-round experience for all visitors.
How to get to San Vito Lo Capo
San Vito Lo Capo is easily accessible from the main Sicilian cities and airports on the island.
- From Palermo: A29 motorway towards Trapani, exit Castellammare del Golfo, continue along the SS187. Journey time: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- From Trapani: SS187 towards Castellammare del Golfo, continue to San Vito Lo Capo. Journey time: approximately 1 hour.
- From Catania: Highway A19 towards Palermo, then A29 towards Trapani, exit Castellammare del Golfo, continue on the SS187. Journey time: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- From Palermo airport: take the bus to Trapani and then change for San Vito Lo Capo. Journey time: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- From Catania airport: take the bus to Trapani and then change for San Vito Lo Capo, or hire a car. Journey time: approximately 4 hours.
- From Comiso airport: rent a car and drive along the SS115 towards Trapani, then the A29 and finally the SS187. Journey time: approximately 3 hours.
Why visit Cous Cous Fest : a unique and unforgettable experience
The Cous Cous Fest is much more than a food festival. It is an opportunity to:
- Embark on a culinary journey: savour cous cous from all over the world, prepared with different ingredients and techniques, and discover the versatility of this age-old dish
- Immerse yourself in a multicultural atmosphere: meet people from all corners of the globe, share experiences and passions, and celebrate diversity
- Participate in unique events: attend concerts, shows, cooking shows and cultural encounters, and experience the infectious energy of the festival
- Discover the beauty of San Vito Lo Capo: enjoy the dream beaches , crystal clear sea and breathtaking scenery of the Trapani coastline
Where to eat cous cous in the province of Trapani
The province of Trapani offers a wide choice of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious couscous dishes . Here are some recommendations:
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Typical restaurants:
- Scents of Cous Cous (San Vito Lo Capo): offers a variety of traditional and revisited cous cous, with fresh , quality ingredients
- La Casbah (Trapani): specialising in cous cous alla Trapanese, prepared according to the ancient local recipe
- Serafino’s Cous Cous (Custonaci): offers cous cous made with the freshest fish, caught directly by the owner
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Restaurants with a view:
- Azzurro Ristorante (San Vito Lo Capo): located on the seafront, it offers a spectacular view and a wide choice of couscous
- La PinetaRestaurant (Erice): surrounded by greenery, with a panoramic terrace, offers gourmet couscous and traditional Sicilian dishes
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Agritourism:
- Agriturismo Case Colomba (Valderice): offers an authentic experience, with cous cous prepared with 0 km ingredients
- Agriturismo Tenute Plaia (Castellammare del Golfo): offers vegetarian and vegan couscous, with organic products from the farm
The Cous Cous Fest is an invitation to discover the richness of cultural diversity through food. An unforgettable experience that will leave your heart full of joy and your palate satisfied.