It was also a time for harvesting and gathering and an opportunity to enjoy the new wine.  Accordingly, the Ottobrata of Zafferana is dedicated to the celebration of the autumnal, Etnean fruits, foods, flavours, spices and new wines with special emphasis placed on the four main products typical of Zafferana and of the mountainous Etnean areas; that is, Mushrooms, Honey, Chestnuts and wine.

  Furthermore, over the years, the Ottobrata fair has been expanded with the aim to divulgate, foster and preserve ancient manual forms of craftsmanship and artistry.  This has made it possible to admire the beautiful works of fine artisans.  Wrought iron compositions hand-hammered by blacksmiths, complex patterns on beautiful textiles produced by embroiderers, works of art fashioned out of lava stone and wood-blocks by lava rock and wood sculptors, and flamboyant decorations on wooden carts and puppets realised by master puppeteers and cart-painters are but a few of the outstanding exhibits that it is possible to admire at the Ottobrata fair of Zafferana.

During the last few decades the beekeeping activity, carried out in Zafferana since the early years of the 19^th century, has became an important and prosperous business and one of the most important sources of income for the citizens living in the municipality of Zafferana Etnea.  About 15% of the honey produced in Italy comes from the beekeepers of Zafferana, and it is thanks to this that Zafferana Etnea has now been conferred the title of Honey City.

By entering the Ottobrata fair and wandering around it during the honey festival, one can fairly easy appreciate why such title may have been granted to Zafferana.  Displayed at the stalls can be found tens of different types of honeys produced by the seemingly indefatigable bees out of pollens harvested from the flowers of orange, lemon, acacia, chestnut, prickly-pear, eucalyptus, apple and pear trees to name but a few.  Each honey has its own characteristic bouquet and nuances and, all can be tasted!  Of course, there are also specialised honeys from wild-plants-derived pollen possessing therapeutic properties, royal jelly, propolis and candies, sweets and cakes prepared with honey and, products made from natural bee wax.

 Similar delightful assortments can also be found at the mushroom festival and at the chestnuts and wine festival.  Nonetheless, it must be born in mind that at each of the festivals and so throughout the all Ottobrata fair there is also the chance of tasting some of the most renowned Sicilian culinary specialties, celebrated Sicilian wines, and flavoursome produce of the Etnean area.  Beside the many initiatives dedicated to these typical products, during the four Sundays of the Ottobrata there will also be musical performances dedicated to various genres of music, full medieval parades with marching musicians and flag-weavers, art exhibitions and much, much more.

 Finally, the Ottobrata of Zafferana is a fantastic opportunity to visit the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.  Do not miss the chance to book for a guided excursion and visit the suggestive craters and lunar-like landscapes of Etna and explore the charming woods of Etna park.

Written By Paolo Piana

Translated by Tony Sinatra