Belice Valley Cheese Festival
Poggioreale, 2025 City of Cheese, celebrates the dairy heritage of the Belice Valley
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Belice Cheese Festival
The Belice Valley Cheese Festival
The Belice Valley Cheese Festival was born in Poggioreale, a small town in the province of Trapani, to celebrate the prestigious 2025 City of Cheese title awarded by ONAF (National Organization of Cheese Tasters). With this recognition, Poggioreale joins a national network of Italy's most renowned dairy centers, from Gorgonzola to Asiago, placing Sicilian cheese-making firmly on the national map of excellence.
A land of shepherds and cheesemakers
The Belice Valley boasts a long-standing tradition of sheep farming, historically focused on cheese production. Sheep are still raised on open pastures using age-old methods, and it is here that Vastedda della Valle del Belice PDO is produced—the only stretched-curd sheep's milk cheese in Italy made from raw whole milk. Alongside this specialty, the region offers Pecorino Siciliano PDO, tuma, primo sale, peppered pecorino, ricotta, and 'zabbina': a gastronomic heritage that takes center stage during the festival.
What to expect at the festival
The event is more than just a food fair; it is a three-day journey blending culinary pleasure with cultural reflection. The program features guided tastings led by ONAF Master Tasters, sensory workshops with live cheese-making, show cooking, workshops on agroecology and sustainable tourism, musical performances, and trekking along the paths of the Elymians. The competitive highlight is the Trinacria d'Oro award, which honors the best Pecorino Siciliano PDO in the region.
- Guided tastings of Belice Valley cheeses
- Sensory workshops and live cheese-making demonstrations
- Show cooking and culinary talk shows in Piazza Elimo
- Workshops on agroecology, regional quality, and sustainable tourism
- Trinacria d'Oro regional competition for the best Pecorino Siciliano PDO
Poggioreale and the Belice Valley
Poggioreale is also known as a 'City of Wine' and preserves the memory of the devastating 1968 earthquake that gave rise to the evocative ruins of Poggioreale Antica. Visiting the festival is an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of inland Sicily, where food and wine tell a story of identity and community. Dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced.
Belice Cheese Festival — edition 2026
At the moment, the Municipality of Poggioreale has not yet announced the dates or the program for the 2026 edition of the Belice Valley Cheese Festival. The event was launched in 2025 to celebrate the 2025 City of Cheese title awarded by ONAF and was held in early May. As soon as official information regarding a new edition is published, this page will be updated with dates, locations, and a detailed program.
Practical information — Belice Cheese Festival
Getting there
Poggioreale is located in the hinterland of the Trapani province, in the Belice Valley. By car, it can be reached via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway, taking the Salaparuta-Poggioreale exit. The nearest airport is Trapani-Birgi; alternatively, Palermo Punta Raisi.
Location
The main activities take place in Piazza Elimo and the town center of Poggioreale.
Admission
Access to the festival areas is generally free; some guided tastings and workshops may require booking. It is recommended to check details with the Municipality of Poggioreale.
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Where does it take place — Belice Cheese Festival
Piazza Elimo e centro storico
Piazza Elimo, 91020 Poggioreale