Every year in June, Castelbuono holds a traditional Broad Bean and Potato Festival on the feast day of San Giovanni (St. John).

In the historical centre of the town, dried broad beans and potatoes are boiled in "quarare" (large copper kettles) heated over wood fires, and then offered free of charge to all passers-by. The atmosphere around town is enriched by bands of musicians.

This charming festival has pagan origins relating to ancient rituals to encourage a successful harvest.

The bonfires of San Giovanni in Castelbuono specifically originate from the tradition of lighting fires in memory of the sacrilege that Julian the Apostate committed by burning the bones of St. John to extinguish his cult. Since the feast of San Giovanni coincided with the harvest, people began to put broad beans on the fire, as a token of gratitude and a rite of prosperity. The tasting of broad beans, boiled potatoes, and onions, accompanied by a good wine, represents a propitiatory rite to inaugurate the harvest. In the past, on the the feast of San Giovanni, the rites of "comparatico" and "commaratico" were of considerable importance - ancient customs of Castelbuono that represent the institution of a kind of sacred bond, through which one becomes "cumpari," a very strong bond that, through San Giovanni, was presented to God himself.