Cous Cous Fest 2026 features Palestinian and Israeli chefs on one team

The 29th edition of the Cous Cous Fest, scheduled to take place in San Vito Lo Capo from September 18 to 27, 2026, will feature a symbolic new addition to its World Cous Cous Championship. A team named ‘Cous Cous Fest United’ will consist of Palestinian chef Shady Hasbun and Israeli chef Tze’ela Rubinstein, working together to promote a message of peace and cultural integration under the slogan ‘Make cous cous not war’.

Eight teams are set to compete in the championship, representing Algeria, Brazil, France, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, Spain, and the United team. Italy will be represented by Enrico Figuccia, chef of the restaurant Lo Stagnone, alongside winners of the Conad Italian Cous Cous Championship. Other notable participants include Algeria’s team led by executive chef Walid Benattia.