International Couscous Festival, San Vito lo Capo, Sicily

San Vito lo Capo, Sicily, Italy.

Sicilian cuisine, like its history, is a stew of cultural influences. Closer to Africa than Rome, and under Arab rule for 200 years during the Middle Ages, it’s not surprising to find couscous on menus in Sicily, especially in the western end of this Mediterranean island.

A traditional clay couscous steamer.

Each September, the beach resort of San Vito lo Capo hosts Cous Cous Fest. Now in its 15th year, this international festival of flavors and cultural integration brings together chefs from all over the world in an international culinary competition. At the heart of it all, couscous (also spelled cous cous or cus cus), a dish rich in history and a symbol of peace and cultural integration.

This year, nine countries - Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, France, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Palestine, Senegal and Tunisia – will compete, and serve, under a Berber-style tent (called Al Waha, or oasis) on the white sands of San Vito lo Capo beach.  A panel of journalists and experts are joined by a jury comprised of anyone who wants to participate. That could be you! There are 100 jury seats and they are filled by those who get there first.

Couscous is a granular semolina wheat product, a staple food in North African countries. Steamed until fluffy, served with stewed lamb or other meat, fish, vegetables and seasonings, ingredients could include pumpkin, raisins and seeds depending on who’s making it. If you are gluten intolerant, corn couscous is available at the main festival tent on the beach.

Elsewhere in San Vito lo Capo, vendors sell local versions of the dish. In Trapani province, this often means in a clear, savoury fish broth made from pesce povere (literally ‘poor fish’, not large enough to grill, suitable only for simmering and straining).

The 2012 edition of Cous Cous Fest runs September 25 to 30. For meal ticket pricing, a schedule of events and free musical performances, plus information on how to participate on the jury, see Cous Cous Fest.

San Vito lo Capo has a gorgeous beach and good hotels. Its proximity to Palermo, Trapani and the Zingaro nature preserve make it an ideal place to stop and stay for a few days. Ryanair flies to Trapani (Birgi airport), closest airport to San Vito lo Capo and a great alternative to Palermo as gateway to western Sicily.  For more travel inspiration and information, see the Region of Sicily‘s tourism website.

The main tent of Cous Cous Fest is on the beach at San Vito lo Capo, Sicily, Italy.

Buy a meal ticket, grab your food and glass of wine and try to find a seat.

My favorite was couscous with goat stew.

If you don’t like couscous, have a cannolo!

The Sanctuary church of San Vito was formerly a Saracen fortress.

Free concerts take place during Cous Cous Fest on a stage in  Piazza Santuario.

View of the main square from the roof of the church.

A bakery with a jasmine tree: a fragrant Sicilian double-whammy. Mmm!

Detail of a Sicilian cart, decorating the town during the couscous festival.

Located on the northwest coast of Sicily, the resort town of San Vito lo Capo has a very fine beach.