From opera to jazz to fusion music
There are plenty of events on the calendar to discover the authentic side of Sicily in the autumn. Our cultural journey can begin in Catania, where the 6th edition of the Bellini International Context takes place until 4 October. Promoted and organized by the Sicilian regional government, the festival brings together over thirty events, mostly in Catania itself, with stops in Palermo, Messina and Agrigento. The programme ranges from opera to classical music and jazz, from cross-genre fusions of drama and music to musicological talks and community-based events.
Showing jumping and a de Chirico exhibition
From 25 to 27 September and 2 to 4 October, the programme of events continues in Palermo with the 41st Coppa degli Assi, a historic international show jumping competition. In October, the musical journey continues in Monreale with the 68th International Week of Sacred Music, organized by the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra Foundation with the support of the regional department of tourism. From musical heritage to 20th-century and contemporary art, the programme continues in the south-east of the island. Until 1 November, the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea del Carmine in Scicli is hosting "Giorgio de Chirico. The Sun of Metaphysics."Around fifty works by the master will be juxtaposed with photographs by Giovanni Chiaramonte, Giuseppe Leone, Pino Ninfa and Armando Rotoletti.
Palermo's Arab-Norman itinerary
For a longer period, running until 31 December 2026, the season offers the chance to visit Gibellina, Italy’s first capital of contemporary art. The annual programme “Portami il futuro” (Bring Me the Future) transforms the town and the Belìce Valley into a widespread cultural network comprising exhibitions, artist residencies, performances, talks and research activities. Autumn is also a good time to explore the island’s archaeological heritage, alternating between museums and cities of art and outdoor visits. Palermo offers its Arab-Norman itinerary, Agrigento the Valley of the Temples, Syracuse the Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortigia, whilst the Val di Noto brings together towns where churches, stairways and 18th-century palaces form a cohesive urban landscape.
Modica's chocolate festival and the Etna wine route
This is the time of year when local produce takes centre stage at festivals and events. On the weekends of 9–11 and 16–18 October the "34th Mostarda and Prickly Pear Festival" brings Militello in Val di Catania to life with flavours, folklore, guided tours and events in the Baroque village. Finally, from 30 October to 1 November "ChocoModic", the festival dedicated to Modica IGP chocolate, brings the historic town to life with tastings, workshops and cultural events. Those wishing to extend their trip into early winter can also follow the Etna Wine Route. The Wine Train, departing from Linguaglossa and stopping at wineries and villages on the northern slope of the volcano, is scheduled to run until 28 November; the Etna Wine Bus, departing from Catania and stopping at wineries and olive oil mills, continues until 20 December.
