Avola Book Festival

The first edition of the Avola Book Festival was held from July 31 to August 2, 2025, on the theme "Out of Place. Where culture finds its space." The program brought six national authors to Avola: Salvo Toscano with "Il caso Barraco", Salvo Palazzolo with "L'amore in questa città", Saba Anglana with "La signora Meraviglia" (among the finalists of the 2025 Strega Prize), former Senate President Pietro Grasso with the graphic novel "Tu che parte stai?", Rosita Manuguerra with "Malanima", and Luciano Regolo with "San Carlo Acutis. L'influencer di Dio".

The meetings took place in the City Hall Gardens, the churchyard of the Church of Santa Venera, and the Borgo Marinaro. The final evening on August 2, by the sea, combined presentations, musical moments, artistic performances, and sensory tastings curated by AIS Syracuse, along with the events of the "I Sonnambuli" night-time book club. The artistic direction was entrusted to journalist Andrea Cassisi.

Thursday, July 31

Opening of the festival with the first presentations in the City Hall Gardens.

Friday, August 1

Meetings with the national guest authors of the edition, including Salvo Toscano ("Il caso Barraco"), Salvo Palazzolo ("L'amore in questa città"), Saba Anglana ("La signora Meraviglia", 2025 Strega Prize finalist), Pietro Grasso ("Tu che parte stai?"), Rosita Manuguerra ("Malanima"), and Luciano Regolo ("San Carlo Acutis. L'influencer di Dio").

Saturday, August 2 — Borgo Marinaro

Closing evening by the sea with presentations, musical moments, artistic performances, and sensory tastings curated by AIS Syracuse and the "I Sonnambuli" night-time book club.