Calabrisella Mia

Summer put up a fight this year, but it t looks like Autumn has prevailed as temperatures start to cool down and leaves begin to change colors.

The Fall season is a great time of year because it seems that every week there is some type of festival or sagra happening somewhere nearby.

Cosenza welcomes the Fall season with it’s Festa Del Ciccolato, or the Chocolate Festival. The festival continues to grow every year, so much so that it now spans the entire pedestrian area of Corso Mazzini.

This year, the festival is celebrating 15 years and since it’s been so successful, they’ve decided to add an extra day.

Where Does It Take Place

In its earlier years, the festival moved around from Old Cosenza, to Piazza dei Bruzi and Corso Mazzini. However, the last three to four years, the festival has taken place in the city centre on Corso Mazzini.  It typically starts at Viale Trieste and goes all the way over to Piazza Bilotti. Doing this has allowed more exhibitors to take part and provided more space to accommodate the many visitors who come.

What You Can Expect To Find

Chocolate, lots of chocolate! From your standard chocolate bars to bite-sized bonbons, rich liquors, and even pasta!  I recommend stopping by Dolce Napoleone’s stand. This cafe/pasty shop located in San Marco Argentano always makes an appearance at the festival, bringing with them their incredibly delicious chocolate creations. It’s become tradition for me to visit their stand and try not to buy one of everything they are selling!

The festival also includes lots of interesting fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. If you love watching the Food Network for all those cooking shows, then you’ll want to head to Piazza Kennedy for a presentation by the Associazione Pizzaioli e Cuochi Italiani.  Got kids? No problem, there is an area completely dedicated to children with music, entertainers and other fun activities. And what’s a festival without music! As you make your way along Corso Mazzini you’ll find various performances with live music and dancing.

Are you a chocoholic? Leave a comment and let me know your favorite type of chocolate!