Aquila d'Argento Award
Edition 2026 Music Comedy Heritage

Aquila d'Argento Award

The highlight of the Etna cultural summer in Viagrande

Viagrande — Catania (287) Since 1987
Dates 01 Aug — 01 Aug 2026
Location Viagrande (287)
Prices Free
Status —

Edition 2026 not confirmed to date

This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.

About Aquila d'Argento

The Aquila d'Argento Award is one of the longest-running and most anticipated cultural events of the Viagrande summer, nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna. Every August, in Piazza San Mauro, the Municipality of Viagrande celebrates local and national figures who have excelled in the fields of culture, medicine, sports, social work, and professional life. The free-entry ceremony combines award presentations with musical performances, live acts, and entertainment, featuring renowned guests from the Sicilian and national stage.

The Aquila d'Argento Award in Viagrande

The Aquila d'Argento Award is a landmark event of the Etna cultural summer, held every August in Piazza San Mauro, in the heart of Viagrande, a town in the Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily. Established to honor talent and dedication, the award celebrates local and national excellence across diverse fields, including culture, medicine, research, sports, social engagement, and professional achievements.

A blend of awards and entertainment

The evening, organized by the Municipality of Viagrande through its Department of Tourism and Entertainment, bridges the gap between institutional recognition and community celebration. On the stage in Piazza San Mauro, the award ceremony is interspersed with live music, entertainment, and artistic performances, creating an atmosphere that engages both the local Viagrande community and visitors from neighboring Etna towns.

The Nello Simili Award and outstanding students

Alongside the Aquila d'Argento, the event includes the Nello Simili Award, dedicated to third-year middle school students in Viagrande, as well as recognition for the area's outstanding students. This is one of the event's most defining features: alongside established figures, the spotlight shines on young local talent, forging a strong bond between the tradition of the award and the future of the community.

Guests and headliners

Over the years, the Aquila d'Argento Award has brought prominent figures from the Sicilian and national cultural scene to Viagrande. The 2025 edition, the thirty-ninth, featured the Messina-born comedian Nino Frassica as the guest of honor, with music by the Lello Analfino Trio and the Catanese Chamber Orchestra, hosted by showman Ruggero Sardo.

An event that tells the story of Viagrande

More than just a ceremony, the Aquila d'Argento has become a cornerstone of the Etna region's summer. Its longevity—approaching its fortieth edition—testifies to its deep roots in Viagrande's identity and its role in highlighting stories of commitment, study, and passion that deserve public recognition. Admission is free and open to the public.

Aquila d'Argento — edition 2026

The fortieth edition of the Aquila d'Argento Award is expected for the summer of 2026 in Viagrande, in Piazza San Mauro. Official dates and the program for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced; the event is traditionally held in the second half of August. As every year, the evening will celebrate local and national excellence and will include the Nello Simili Award and recognition for outstanding students.

The Municipality of Viagrande is preparing for the new edition of the Aquila d'Argento Award, expected for the summer of 2026 in Piazza San Mauro. At this time, the precise dates and the program for the 2026 edition have not yet been made official; the event is usually held in the second half of August, in the evening, and with free admission. It is recommended to check for updates on the official channels of the Municipality and the Pro Loco of Viagrande.

Prices Aquila d'Argento 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Aquila d'Argento

Location

The event takes place in Piazza San Mauro, in the center of Viagrande (CT), Sicily.

How to get there

By car from Catania, Viagrande is reachable in about 20-25 minutes via the SS114 and the provincial roads of the Etna area. Nearest airport: Catania-Fontanarossa (approx. 20 km). The town center is served by local bus lines from the Etna region.

Schedule and admission

The event is traditionally held in August, in the evening (around 8:30 PM). Admission is free. For updated dates, it is recommended to check the official channels of the Municipality of Viagrande and the Pro Loco.

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Where does it take place — Aquila d'Argento

Piazza San Mauro

Piazza San Mauro, 95029 Viagrande

Contact Aquila d'Argento

Tel
+39 095 7896111

Aquila d'Argento in brief

Music Comedy Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Young audience Outdoor Free Multidisciplinary Catania

History of Aquila d'Argento