Cous Cous Fest is a hugely popular event is the presence of so many stunning dishes
Quick – what comes to mind at the mere mention of the phrase Cous Cous Fest? Perhaps it is the thought that a festival could be created around the dish of couscous? If this is so you would be correct, for this dish is indeed celebrated at this annual festival that takes place in San Vito Lo Capo each year. San Vito Lo Capo can be found on the tip of a section of land north-east of Trapani in north-eastern Sicily. Its sweeping seafront area is no doubt one of the reasons this festival is such a success each year, bringing in around a quarter of a million people every time it is held.
Of course one of the other key reasons why the Cous Cous Fest is a hugely popular event is the presence of so many stunning dishes. This is a real festival for foodies and one that brings together the spirit of integration in its finest form too. Indeed, the tagline for this festival is that it is an ‘international festival of cultural integration’, and what better way to demonstrate this than through the many sublime dishes inspired by many countries way beyond Sicily itself?
2015 will be the 18th year the festival has taken place. As always, various countries will compete to produce the top dish using couscous as its key ingredient. However, this is far more than just a serious cooking competition. Visitors will have the chance to delight in many sublime dishes by visiting the Gastronomic Village. As you may guess, this is where all kinds of dishes using couscous as the main ingredient will be created. Whether you love couscous or you are indifferent to this ingredient, commonly-used in many countries in this part of the world, you’ll love it by the time you leave this area!
The festival typically runs over the course of several days too. Wherever you are staying in Sicily in September, make sure your visit coincides with at least one of the days the festival is in full swing. With open-air markets, food stalls, the chance to taste many diverse dishes and a great enjoyable atmosphere too, you really can’t miss it. You might also be surprised to learn not all the dishes created with couscous as a base are savoury in nature. Why not be brave and try the odd sweet couscous dish too?
If nothing else you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful day under the Sicilian sun and not have to cook dinner that evening either. You’ll be so replete with cous cous in all its forms you won’t want to have anything else!
