This is only a selection of the many events taking place in Sicily every year.

January – February

Carnival - The Carnival is celebrated all over the island, but the celebrations in Acireale, north of Catania, are the most spectacular. A weeklong celebration with colourful parades of masked participants and floats surrounded by music and festive atmosphere.

Feast of Sant’Agata in Catania - The feast in honour of the city’s patron saint is an all-night celebration including a procession of candle-bearers parading through the streets and accompanied by the mayor and his entourage in horse-drawn carriages. Firework and street parties surround the event.

April

The Dance of the Devils – This unique festival takes place during Easter in Prizzi, a medieval town 2 hours from Palermo. The event is centred around a grotesque dance of the devils representing the struggle between good and evil. In the end good prevails with the angels appearing to subdue the devils. The festival includes street parades, dancing and dramatic music.

May

Infiorata - This event taking place in Noto, a small town in the southeastern coast, consists of a splendid carpet of flowers laid in the historic centre. The festival also features crafts shows, exhibitions, street parades, dance and music.

June

Stella Maris, feast in the waters of the port of Augusta in the province of Syracuse.

Feast of the cherries taking place in the town of Granite in the province of Messina.

August

Palio dei Normanni taking place in Piazza Armerina is reminiscent of Sicily’s Normans past. Locals dressed in medieval clothes and knight attire re-enact a symbolic fight against the Saracens represented by a puppet.

September – October

International Couscous Festival, a 3 day event taking place outside Trapani.

The Fishermen’s Festival takes place every year in Porticello Santa Flavia a little fishing port outside Palermo. The event includes boat races and other competitions among fishermen as well as food, dances and parades.