Diamante Peperoncino Festival

Diamante · Diamante, Costa Viola, Calabria

9 September 2026 – 13 September 2026

The traditional Diamante Peperoncino Festival takes place from 9 to 13 September 2026. One of the most important events at national and international level dedicated to chilli peppers, the Diamante Peperoncino Festival (CS) includes entertainment, tastings, exhibitions, sector conferences, screenings and the "Italian Chilli Eaters' Championship", the "hottest" competition of the moment, intended for the truly resistant palates. How does the Diamante Peperoncino Festival come about? It was back in 1992, when journalist Enzo Monaco initiated an unprecedented event, capable of linking the Calabrians to America starting with the importation of the precious spice.

Event details

The traditional Diamante Peperoncino Festival runs from 9 to 13 September 2026. One of the most important national and international events dedicated to chilli peppers, the Diamante festival, in the province of Cosenza, offers entertainment, tastings, exhibitions, industry conferences, screenings and the famous "Italian Chilli Pepper Eating Championship", the hottest competition of the moment, reserved for truly resistant palates. All the events of the festival are free to attend.

Origins and history of the festival

The festival was born in 1992, when journalist Enzo Monaco launched an unprecedented event, capable of linking Calabrians to America starting from the importation of the precious spice. Since then the Peperoncino Festival has made great strides, hosting national and international figures from the worlds of gastronomy, wellness and entertainment. The event is organised by the Italian Chilli Pepper Academy, founded and chaired by Enzo Monaco, and pairs its gourmet side with a rich programme of conferences, including scientific talks on the properties of chilli pepper.

Diamante, the City of Murals

The event is the perfect chance to visit Diamante, known as the "City of Murals and Chilli Pepper". The historic centre of this Tyrrhenian town in the Cosenza area is an open-air museum, with dozens of wall paintings telling stories, traditions and landscapes of Calabria. Facing a clear sea and surrounded by award-winning beaches, Diamante combines the buzz of the festival with the charm of a lively seafront and a cuisine in which chilli pepper takes centre stage.

Date and duration

The event is scheduled for 9 September 2026 – 13 September 2026. Check for any changes announced by the organisers shortly before travelling.

Venue

The listed venue is Diamante (CS). Follow current information from the organiser and municipality for access, parking and local transport.

Organisers and participants

Published event information names Accademia Italiana del Peperoncino. Check official channels for the final programme and any changes to participants.

Admission and updates

Admission is listed as free. Check the official source close to the event date for confirmation of times, access and availability.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Diamante Peperoncino Festival 2026?

The festival runs from 9 to 13 September 2026 in Diamante, in the province of Cosenza.

Is admission to the Peperoncino Festival free?

Yes, all the events of the festival are free to attend.

What is the Italian Chilli Pepper Eating Championship?

It is the hottest contest of the festival, reserved for the most resistant palates, challenging competitors to eat chilli peppers.

Who organises the Diamante Peperoncino Festival?

It is organised by the Italian Chilli Pepper Academy, founded and chaired by journalist Enzo Monaco.

When was the Diamante Peperoncino Festival founded?

The festival was founded in 1992 on the initiative of journalist Enzo Monaco.

Why is Diamante called the City of Murals?

Because its historic centre is decorated with dozens of murals telling stories and traditions of Calabria, and it is also known as the City of Chilli Pepper.

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