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Reggio Calabria officially enters Scirubetta week. This morning, in the press conference to present the 2026 edition, the countdown to the international artisanal ice cream festival began which, from Saturday 12th to Tuesday 15th September, will transform Lungomare Falcomatà into a great citadel of taste, creativity and the meeting of gastronomic cultures. The conference, moderated by the journalist Francesco Mannarino, saw the participation of the Conpait president Angelo Musolino, the mayor Francesco Cannizzaro and Giovanna Pizzi, communications coordinator. A moment of discussion that confirmed ambitions, vision and the desire to make Scirubetta a stable event in the international calendar of gastronomic events.
During the meeting, a summary of the main contents of the 2026 edition was presented, which features 34 master ice cream makers from seven countries: Germany, Japan, Hungary, North Macedonia, the United States, Slovakia and Belgium. An international dimension which, as Musolino recalled, is not limited to the presence of foreign professionals, but aims at a true dialogue between techniques, cultures and products of the Reggio and Calabrian territories. In fact, each master will create a preparation that will combine local ingredients, enhancing the supply chain and the gastronomic identity of the city.
Mayor Cannizzaro has relaunched an ambitious vision: Reggio Calabria as the world capital of ice cream, an identifying brand to be promoted on international circuits and to be included in a broader tourism strategy, capable of deseasonalizing and attracting visitors even beyond the summer months. Particularly significant was the speech by Giovanna Pizzi, who illustrated the work done to build a program rich in content: thematic talks, workshops, meetings with experts, training sessions, tastings and shows. A complex direction that required coordination, vision and a strong capacity for dialogue with institutions, partners and professionals in the sector. Musolino underlined how the support of the Metropolitan City and Arsac was decisive in consolidating the structure of the festival and in better welcoming the many guests expected on the Lungomare.
The fifth edition will host two competitions: the competition dedicated to alcoholic sorbet, that of ice cream panettone, built on three consistencies – ice cream, sorbet and semifreddo. Alongside the ice cream makers, the chefs from Reggio Calabria and the Italian Chefs’ Federation will also be protagonists, engaged in a creative dialogue between cuisine and ice cream making, with particular attention to the Bergamot of Reggio Calabria.
From 12 to 15 September, the Lido station area will become a true ice cream citadel: tastings, live cooking, workshops, shows, family activities and talks dedicated to the supply chains and raw materials. An event that promises to bring thousands of people to the seafront, coinciding with the Marian holidays, helping to strengthen the tourist image of the city and generate positive effects on hotels, restaurants and commercial activities. This morning’s presentation confirmed a climate of enthusiasm and participation: Scirubetta is no longer just a festival, but a cultural and tourist project that looks far ahead. And from Saturday, Reggio Calabria will be ready to celebrate it with a big party.