Calabrisella Mia

I’m still on a sugar high from this weekend’s Chocolate Festival in Cosenza.

But, can you blame me? For the past 4 days, Corso Mazzini has been home to master chocolatiers  from all across Italy.  Not to mention, the weather was perfect to enjoy the festival both by day and night!

Many stands were set up to demonstrate how they prepare some of their creations.

For example, this man from Sicilia put on quite the show as he prepared some Torrone Siciliane (aka Croccante aka Cubbiata aka delicious!). Everyone that passed by had to stop and watch.  I was mesmerized by the ease and flow with which he worked.

A chocolate lover’s dream come true with chocolate in all shapes, sizes and flavours. I mean, how adorable are these high-heeled shoes made by ChocoPassion? You almost don’t want to eat them!

And they didn’t forget the soccer fans either! They had these chocolate lollipops with some of the top Italian soccer teams including Inter Milan, Roma, Juventus and even the Cosenza Calcio team!

One of my favorite cafes on Corso Mazzini, Kennedy Caffe, was selling some of their incredibly delicious desserts.

And, like every year, I picked up an absurd amount of goodies from Dolce Napoleone. I literally said, “I’ll take one of everything!“.

And what festival would be complete without some Italian Folk music.  On the opening night, the Ottopiù Street Band from the province of Krotone took to Corso Mazzini playing all kinds of traditional songs and bringing a festive feel to the event.

Check out this clip of them playing the traditional Calabrian folk song, Riturnella. It’s one of my favourites!

And that ends another successful edition of the Festa del Cioccolato in Cosenza.  Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!

What’s your favourite thing to do at festivals?