Event Details
The Festival del Peperoncino in Diamante
From 9 to 13 September 2026, the charming coastal town of Diamante on Calabria's Riviera dei Cedri becomes the world capital of the chilli pepper. The 34th edition of the Festival del Peperoncino draws tens of thousands of visitors from across Europe to the town of murals – with free admission to all main events.
Founded in 1992 by journalist Enzo Monaco to mark the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas, the festival has grown into Calabria's most important gastronomic and cultural event and one of Italy's most celebrated food festivals. At its heart is the Calabrian chilli pepper, the unmistakable symbol of southern Italian cuisine.
Highlights
- Campionato Italiano Mangiatori di Peperoncino – Italy's national chilli eating championship held on Saturday evening
- Mostra Mercato "Mangiare Mediterraneo" – a sprawling market featuring products from across Italy and the world
- Concerts, theatre performances, dance shows and film screenings
- Pyrotechnic drone show over the sea
- Medical conferences exploring the health benefits of capsaicin
- Caricature competition "Vignette sul ring"
- Officine del Gusto – show cooking and guided tasting experiences
- Exhibition of over 1,000 chilli varieties at the Museo DAC
Program
For five days the festival animates the entire town centre of Diamante – from the historic old town and the seafront promenade to the riverside esplanade. Each evening the main stage at Piazza Municipio hosts live music and entertainment. During the day, tasting stands, show cooking events and cultural activities invite visitors to explore the world of chilli. The undisputed highlight is the final of the Campionato Italiano Mangiatori di Peperoncino on Saturday evening, where daring competitors consume raw chilli in 50-gram portions accompanied only by bread and olive oil.
Food & Flavours
The Mostra Mercato stands offer a wide range of authentic Calabrian specialities: Nduja di Spilinga, Rosamarina di Amantea, Sardella di Crucoli, Morsello di Catanzaro, along with chilli sauces, preserves, cured meats, cheeses, sweets and wines. Non-spicy options are also available, making the festival enjoyable for all tastes.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early and park in the official areas designated by the municipality; the festival sites are all walkable.
- Arriving by train, use Diamante station and walk to the town centre.
- Wear comfortable shoes – the programme is spread across the entire town centre.
- Bring cash for stand purchases and premium tasting events.
- Book accommodation several months in advance; Diamante fills up quickly in September.
- Check the official festival website before your visit as the programme is updated regularly.
