Events

Sicily has a great selection of events throughout the year – ranging from religious processions to food festivals. We've compiled this helpful list to make sure you can enjoy a local event during your holiday in Sicily, whatever the season!

Calender

A brief overview of the main events taking place over the year in Sicily. Starting with the most famous events like Carnival, Easter and Ferragosto, but including patron saint events and local gastronomic festivals. There are so many opportunities to have fun and experience the real Sicilian atmosphere.

Epiphany - January

Traditionally La Befana visits children and give them sweets and toys on the evening of 5th January. Piana degli Albanesi has a particularly interesting religious events on the 6th.

Sant'Agata - February

Catania erupts into celebration for its patron saint, Sant'Agata. Local flock to the city centre for the procession with the beautiful statue of the saint herself.

Almond Blossom Festival - February

The Valley of the Temples is even more picturesque in early spring during the Almond Blossom festival. Music, folklore and food come together in this authentic event.

Carnival - March

Carnival is a colourful celebration in Sicily, with many vibrant parades taking place on Martedì Grasso. Acireale on the east coast and Sciacca in the south have the best events.

Easter - April

Easter Sunday is a time for celebration. There are many religious events that take place, as well as long family lunches with great food.

Easter Monday - April

Easter Monday – Pasquetta in Italian – is a national holiday. Sicilians tend to go to the country and enjoy barbecues – grilled artichokes are a highlight!

Greek Theatre Festival - May, June and July

The ancient Greek theatre in Siracusa holds a Greek theatre festival from May to July, with three classic plays being performed in the unforgettable surroundings.

Infiorata di Noto - May

Noto blossoms into colourful celebration as local artists decorate one of the town's streets with colourful decorations. A unique sight, and completely beautiful!

Santa Rosalia - July

Palermo's patron saint is celebrated in grand style in mid-July. Expect a huge procession, great food and bright fireworks.

Scala Illuminata - July and August

The gorgeous staircase in Caltagirone becomes even more beautiful when decorated by hundreds of lights. A magical sight on a warm summer evening.

Palio dei Normanni - August

Take a step back to Medieval Sicily during this costumed, traditional event. Jousts, music, great food and friendly crowds await!

Ferragosto - August

What could be more fun than a national holiday in the height of summer! Bonfires on the beach are popular, as are large parties outside surrounded by friends.

Cous Cous Fest - September

This international festival celebrates cous cous in all its forms. Visit San Vito lo Capo this weekend for great food, live music and a fabulous atmosphere.

Sherbeth Festival - September

Celebrating all things gelato, the Sherbeth festival is a delicious time to visit Palermo. With great gelato, granita and a fun atmosphere, the festival is perfect for ice cream lovers!

Le Vie dei Tesori - October

Le Vie dei Tesori takes place all over Sicily throughout the month of October. Some of the islands most impressive palaces, museums and historical sights – which are often closed – are open to the public.

Ognissanti - November

You'll see colourful marzipan fruits - Frutta Martorana - during this time of year, as well as many solemn religious ceremonies.

Immacolata - December

The 8th December is the festa of the Madonna. You will find beautiful processions throughout the island. Palermo has a particularly lovely procession.

Santa Lucia - December

Siracusa's patron saint, Santa Lucia, is celebrated on 13th December, with a superb procession. It is also traditional to not eat any flour on this day in respect of the saint.

Did You Know?

A few added hints about how and where to enjoy some great events in Sicily! There are so many ancient traditions here. Sicily is the ideal place where you can mix relaxation with exploration of a land and its traditions.

2018 Palermo Capital of Italian Culture

Palermo was named the City of Italian Culture in 2018, meaning that there were a host of interesting events all year long.

Lyric Opera

Theatre lovers will be delighted when visiting Sicily. The season at Teatro Massimo in Palermo – with wonderful operas and ballets – runs nearly all year long, with a summer break.

Ancient Settings

Aspects of Greek culture can be found all over Sicily, not just at Siracusa's theatre. The theatres of Segesta and Taormina also offer events in an incredibly ancient setting.

Presepi

Living nativity scenes take place in many small towns in Sicily. This scenes are very affecting, and create a fantastic Christmas environment to start the holiday period.

Religious Events in Sicily

As a fairly religious area, Sicily has a rich heritage of religious events taking place throughout the year.

Patron Saints

Every town and village has their own patron saint, and their saint day is always a day of huge celebration with processions, music and food!

Holy Week

Holy week is so important in Sicily. Enna has several events that take place annually, and the Dance of the Devils in Prizzi is fascinating!

Maundy Thursday

Churches are open late on Maundy Thursday, when Sicilians take the time to visit many churches in once evening, offering prayers together with family and friends.

Trapani Mysteries

The Trapani Mysteries – a procession taking place for over 16 hours – is one of the most moving religious events in Sicily, taking place on Good Friday in Trapani.

Foodie Events in Sicily

Sicily's food is exceptional. And there are many occasions that you can celebrate and enjoy the amazing food in Sicily! Throw yourself into a typical Sicilian atmosphere at a local gastronomic events. If you love street food, then don't miss Palermo and Catania.

Sagre

Throughout the year, local food celebrations take place in towns and villages all over Sicily. There may well be a sagra near you when staying in Sicily, celebrating anything from ricotta, sausages or artichokes!

Wine Harvest

Sicily's grape harvest takes place in autumn, and guests can visit wineries and help out. It is a great – but tiring – experience for wine lovers!

Palermo Street Food Fest

Palermo holds a wonderful street food festival at various time of the year. Stalls are set up along the main street offering fantastic examples of Italian, Sicilian and International food.

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