Every year, in December, in the baroque town center of Modica, the ChocoModica festival takes place. It's one of the most delightful festivals in Sicily.
The town of Modica, in the province of Ragusa, is famous for its baroque churches (it is a UNESCO World Heritage site) but also for its unique chocolate.
According to tradition the recipe for the chocolate of Modica was brought directly from the Americas by the Spanish colonizers who also ruled Sicily at the time.
The Modica chocolate is known for its rough, grainy texture, and is processed cold, without adding milk. It has a high melting point and is made in various classic flavors: vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, chili pepper, citrus, and carob. 
In Modica, it’s possible to taste and purchase chocolate in numerous shops, including some with a long-standing tradition such as Antica Dolceria Bonajuto and Antica Dolceria Rizza.
In addition to shops, there are places dedicated to chocolate, such as the "Museum of Modica Chocolate" (Tel. +39 347 4612771), active since 2012 and featuring sweet sculptures, including a miniature Italy, historical maps, and awards, and the "Dammusu ro' Ciuccuolattaru." We recommend checking the official websites for updated opening hours.
Each year, the ChocoModica festival is organized and entirely dedicated to Modica chocolate. The dates vary every year, it is usually before Christmas. During Chocobarocco, the historic center is filled with stands selling classic Modica chocolate, new variations, and other typical Sicilian pastries. Additionally, there are chocolate workshops for children, chocolate art exhibitions, conferences, performances, and guided tours in the beautiful town center. ChocoModica events are concentrated along the main streets of the historic center: Corso Umberto, Via Nazionale, Viale Medaglie d'Oro, and Via Marchesa Tedeschi. Every year, Modica Chocolab, show cooking, chocoart, and Chocobimbi take place, along with musical and cabaret entertainment.
ChocoModica 2024
The 2024 edition of ChocoModica will be held in the lower part of Modica, in the historic center from December 6 to 8, 2024. The program includes a rich series of stands, tastings, conferences, musical performances, and entertainment. The full event calendar is still being defined and will be published as soon as possible.
Reaching the Center: Shuttle Bus
During ChocoModica, some streets in the historic center will be closed to traffic, and convenient shuttle buses will be available:
Updated information can be found on the official website: http://www.chocomodicaofficial.it
Useful Links
- ChocoModica - Official Website
- Guided Tours in Modica
- Hotels in and around Modica
- Dolceria Rizza
- Dolceria Bonajuto