Every September, San Vito Lo Capo hosts the Cous Cous Fest, an international couscous cooking competition that has grown into one of Sicily's most celebrated food events. Chefs from a dozen or more countries compete in an open-air arena on the beach, each preparing their national version of couscous to be judged by a panel of food critics and by public tasting.
The festival runs over several days and combines the cooking competition with concerts, cultural events, and street food stalls. The timing makes September one of the better months to visit the town: the main summer crowds have thinned out, the sea is still warm, and the festival adds a festive energy to the evenings.