National Cannoli Month

National Cannoli Month celebrates cannoli, the Sicilian pastry made from a fried, tube-shaped shell filled with sweet, creamy ricotta. The shell may be topped with powdered sugar, chocolate, pistachios, candied fruit, or orange peel, and both fillings and sizes vary by region.

Cannoli were originally associated with Carnevale, the festive period before Lent, and are now enjoyed throughout the year. Their history is surrounded by competing legends: some accounts connect them to Arab-ruled Sicily and a harem in Caltanissetta, while others credit nuns who made the pastries for special occasions and religious festivals. The name cannoli comes from canna, meaning reed or cane, which was once used as a mold for the pastry shells. The dessert later spread from Sicily throughout Italy and to the United States with Sicilian immigrants.

Event records credit Kansas City chef Jasper J. Mirabile, Jr., with establishing National Cannoli Month in 2003. A later account by Authentic Food dates its creation to 2006 and describes it as a time for cannoli creations, community outreach, and culinary surprises. September offers a whole month to enjoy this crisp-and-creamy dessert and explore the many ways it can be made.

How to Observe National Cannoli Month

Celebrate by enjoying a cannolo from an Italian bakery or restaurant, or try making cannoli at home. Sample different fillings and toppings, such as ricotta, chocolate, pistachios, candied fruit, or orange peel. You can also learn about the pastry’s Sicilian history and share cannoli with family or friends.

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