Life is too short for vanilla....

This past weekend was the chocolate festival in Piedimonte Etneo, a beautiful little hill town on the slopes of the volcano.  The theme was "Cioccolatiamo" - chocolate I love you !

pillars entering town made from lava rock...


We weren't sure what to expect but, as always, we were not disappointed.  Tents lined the streets - full of - you guessed it - chocolate !  There were cookies, candies, cakes, and some of the best fudge we have ever tasted. There were also vendors selling crafts, ceramics and jewelry.






One of the best displays was of chocolate shoes...wow !

In addition to all the sweets, there was a stage set up for acts including mimes (a mime on a ball, yikes !), and an adorable kids' chorus, and other events during the day.






singing the Italian national anthem - with gusto !







We weren't quite certain who these characters in the next photo were supposed to be, but the kids loved them...many of the children were in costume...none cuter than the little M&Ms...

is that a dog in the pic dressed like an M&M ???


And who could want anything more than a giant Nutella ?


Unless, of course, it is to visit the home of the world's longest sausage according the Guinness Book of World Records...this town has it all !




the record holding meat market...







All in all, it was a great adventure...time for all little M&Ms to go home for a nap...if they can sleep after all that chocolate !!


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