Bronte grows its pistachio on Etna's own lava soil, DOP-protected and Slow Food-recognised as 'green gold' — 2026's 35th edition was officially locked in early by Mayor Giuseppe Gullotta specifically so international tour operators could plan around it, spread across two full weekends of parades, folk dancing, and pistachio gelato handed out to kids. Starting in 2027, the town plans to announce the festival's dates every February 26th, on World Pistachio Day.