Belice Valley Cheese Exhibition and Ricotta Festival
The grand celebration of pecorino, Vastedda DOP, and fresh ricotta in the Belice Valley
About Belice Cheese Exhibition
A feast of flavors in the heart of the Belice Valley
Every year, the village of Poggioreale, in the province of Trapani, transforms into a grand showcase for the dairy production of the Belice Valley. The Belice Valley Cheese Exhibition and Ricotta Festival is an event with a history spanning over twenty years, organized by the Municipality of Poggioreale with the support of local dairy businesses, trade associations, and regional protection consortia. It is one of the most cherished food and wine events in Western Sicily, attracting visitors from across the island.
Vastedda del Belìce DOP, the queen of the event
The true symbol of the festival is the Vastedda della Valle del Belìce DOP, the only stretched-curd sheep's milk cheese produced in Europe, an excellence born right here in this corner of Sicily. Alongside it, the stalls offer a true parade of local pastoral specialties: fresh and aged Sicilian pecorino, peppered pecorino, red pecorino, pecorino with olives and walnuts, caciocavallo, and of course, freshly made ricotta, to be enjoyed while still warm. There is also no shortage of zabbina and traditional ricotta-based desserts, such as sfinci and cappiduzzi.
A national recognition: City of Cheese
In 2025, Poggioreale was awarded the title of City of Cheese by ONAF (National Organization of Cheese Tasters), a recognition that rewards the work of the farmers who still persevere in the Belice Valley and the quality of products like Vastedda DOP and Pecorino Siciliano DOP. This title has brought further prestige to the event, transforming it into a benchmark for Sicilian taste, culture, and rural identity.
More than just cheese: music, shows, and tradition
The festival is not just about tasting. The program alternates guided tastings with expert ONAF tasters, cooking shows dedicated to preparing giant ricotta desserts, vintage car rallies, concerts, DJ sets, and cabaret shows. Food and wine stalls enliven the town squares, accompanied by live music and entertainment for all ages, including a play area for children. It is an opportunity to discover Poggioreale, a town reborn after the 1968 Belice earthquake, and the authentic charm of this corner of Sicily.
Why it is worth visiting
- Taste the Vastedda del Belìce DOP, a cheese unique in the world, directly from the producers.
- Participate in guided tastings of Sicilian DOP cheeses curated by ONAF tasters.
- Experience the atmosphere of an authentic village festival, complete with music, tradition, and Sicilian hospitality.
- Discover the Belice Valley and the village of Poggioreale, in the province of Trapani.
Belice Cheese Exhibition — edition 2026
28th edition - May 16, 2026
The twenty-eighth edition of the Belice Valley Cheese Exhibition and Ricotta Festival will be held in Poggioreale, in the province of Trapani, on May 16, 2026, a date approved by a specific municipal resolution. The event, with a total cost of approximately 28,700 euros, is supported by a regional contribution of 20,000 euros through the "Sicilia che piace - Enti locali 2026" notice and co-financing from the Municipality.
As every year, the stars will be the Vastedda della Valle del Belìce DOP, fresh and aged Sicilian pecorino, peppered pecorino, red pecorino, pecorino with olives and walnuts, caciocavallo, and freshly made ricotta, along with zabbina and traditional desserts. The day will be enlivened by food and wine stalls, guided tastings, music, and entertainment. The detailed program with times and guests will be announced in the weeks preceding the event on the official channels of the Municipality of Poggioreale.
Programme Belice Cheese Exhibition 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including times, musical guests, and activities, will be published by the Municipality of Poggioreale in the weeks leading up to the event. Based on past editions, the day will feature the opening of food and wine stalls, guided tastings of Sicilian DOP cheeses curated by ONAF tasters, cooking shows, live music, and entertainment.
Highlights Belice Cheese Exhibition 2026
The Vastedda della Valle del Belìce DOP and the title of City of Cheese awarded to Poggioreale by ONAF remain the highlights of the event.
Prices Belice Cheese Exhibition 2026
Practical information — Belice Cheese Exhibition
How to get there
Poggioreale is located in the Belice Valley, in Western Sicily, in the province of Trapani. By car, it can be reached via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway, taking the nearest exit towards Salemi/Santa Ninfa, then continuing along the valley's provincial roads. The reference airports are Palermo (Punta Raisi) and Trapani-Birgi, both about an hour and a half away.
Admission and tastings
Admission to the event is free. Cheese and ricotta tastings at the stalls are largely offered for free; some guided activities or product purchases from producers may involve a cost.
Tips
Arrive with an appetite and comfortable footwear for walking between the stalls in the center. For updated information on dates and the program, it is useful to consult the official channels of the Municipality of Poggioreale (tel. +39 0924 75777).
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Where does it take place — Belice Cheese Exhibition
Piazza Mercato del Contadino
Piazza Mercato del Contadino, 91020 Poggioreale