38th Parallel Festival – Between Books and Wineries
The non-fiction festival blending books, ideas, and wineries in Marsala
About 38th Parallel Marsala
A non-fiction festival in the heart of Marsala
The 38th Parallel Festival – Between Books and Wineries is a cultural event dedicated to non-fiction that takes place every year in Marsala, in the province of Trapani, at the westernmost point of Sicily. The name refers to the geographical parallel that crosses the Marsala territory, a natural meeting point between Europe and the southern shores of the Mediterranean. Over the years, the event has established itself as one of the island's most original literary gatherings, skillfully weaving together books, civil debate, and wine culture.
An 'eccentric' and resistant festival
Founded in 2017 and directed by photographer and curator Giuseppe Prode, the 38th Parallel presents itself as a festival with an 'eccentric soul,' where 'economists meet poets and journalists meet sociologists.' The goal is to create a network of alternative thinking and new perspectives on contemporary society, moving 'forward and never looking back.' Each edition revolves around a core theme that runs through meetings, readings, concerts, and screenings.
The venues: theaters, museums, and historic wineries
The strength of the festival lies in its locations. Events are held at the Teatro Comunale Eliodoro Sollima, the Lilibeo Regional Archaeological Museum – Baglio Anselmi, the Lilibeo Archaeological Park, the Santa Cecilia Auditorium, and several celebrated Marsala wineries, including the historic Cantine Florio. This is the essence of 'between books and wineries': the dialogue between the written word and oenological culture, two of the region's greatest excellences.
Young protagonists
A distinctive feature of the event is the strong involvement of young people: over two hundred students from the 'P. Ruggieri' Scientific High School in Marsala participate in the organization and hospitality, making the festival a true civic and educational laboratory for the city.
A bridge across the Mediterranean
With the 'Mediterradio' section and the collaboration of Italian and international radio stations, the 38th Parallel acts as a sonic and cultural bridge between the various shores of the Mediterranean, addressing themes such as hospitality, legality, memory, integration, and rights. For a few days in May, the event turns Marsala into a small capital of Sicilian thought and culture.
38th Parallel Marsala — edition 2026
10th Edition: 'Founded on Cultures'
The tenth edition of the 38th Parallel Festival was held in Marsala from May 20 to 23, 2026, with a final act on May 24 in Racalmuto, at the Leonardo Sciascia Foundation. The theme 'Founded on Cultures' recalled the idea of the Constitution as the foundation of democratic coexistence.
The inauguration on May 20, 'Founded on Hospitality,' featured Corrado Lorefice and Nuccio Vara, followed by a concert by Simona Norato. On May 21, the 'Mediterradio' section transformed the Cantine Florio into a sonic bridge across the Mediterranean, involving Italian and international broadcasters. May 22 was dedicated to poetry with Andrea Accardi, Marilena Renda, Letizia Polini, and Mariagiorgia Ulbar; on May 23, the meeting 'The Culture of the Word, Memory and Chronicle' featured Attilio Bolzoni, Vito Catalano, and Bianca Stancanelli.
The main venues were the Teatro Comunale Eliodoro Sollima, the Lilibeo Museum – Baglio Anselmi, the Santa Cecilia Auditorium, and the Cantine Florio, with the usual involvement of over two hundred local students.
Programme 38th Parallel Marsala 2026
2026 Program – 'Founded on Cultures'
- May 20 – Inauguration 'Founded on Hospitality' with Corrado Lorefice and Nuccio Vara; concert by Simona Norato.
- May 21 – 'Mediterradio: a sonic bridge, a sea of stories' at Cantine Florio; web series and docufilms.
- May 22 – Poetry meeting with Andrea Accardi, Marilena Renda, Letizia Polini, and Mariagiorgia Ulbar.
- May 23 – 'The Culture of the Word, Memory and Chronicle' with Attilio Bolzoni, Vito Catalano, and Bianca Stancanelli.
- May 24 – Conclusion in Racalmuto at the Leonardo Sciascia Foundation, with recording for Radio Rai 3.
Highlights 38th Parallel Marsala 2026
- Theme 'Founded on Cultures' inspired by constitutional thought
- 'Mediterradio' section at Cantine Florio
- Poetry day with contemporary authors
- Final act in Racalmuto at the sites associated with Leonardo Sciascia
Prices 38th Parallel Marsala 2026
Practical information — 38th Parallel Marsala
How to get there
Marsala is located in western Sicily, in the province of Trapani. By car, it can be reached via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway. The Marsala train station is on the Trapani-Palermo line. The nearest airport is the Vincenzo Florio Airport in Trapani-Birgi, approximately 20 km away.
Venues
Events are held in various locations in the city center: Teatro Comunale Eliodoro Sollima, Lilibeo Museum – Baglio Anselmi, Santa Cecilia Auditorium, and historic wineries such as Cantine Florio.
Admission
Most meetings are free to attend; some events may require reservations. It is recommended to check the official website for the updated program.
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Where does it take place — 38th Parallel Marsala
Teatro Comunale Eliodoro Sollima