Boiled Sheep Festival

The first edition of the Boiled Sheep Festival enlivened the Bala district of Burgio, in the province of Agrigento, in September 2025, starting at 8:00 PM. The initiative, promoted by the Coltiviamo le Idee association, had been set for August 22 but was postponed by the municipal administration to adhere to the appeal of Pope Leo XIV, who had proclaimed that date a day of fasting and prayer for peace.

At the heart of the festival was boiled sheep, a traditional recipe of the pastoral cuisine of the Sicani Mountains, served in the heart of the district amidst music and conviviality. The event also sparked protests from the LAV (Anti-Vivisection League) of Sciacca, which had requested its permanent cancellation. Despite the controversy, the festival took place, bringing a defining dish of the Burgio tradition back to the table.

The festival opened in the evening, starting at 8:00 PM, in the Bala district. The absolute star was boiled sheep, served at the gastronomic stands along with local peasant cuisine specialties, in an atmosphere of village conviviality.

• First edition of the festival dedicated to boiled sheep
• Traditional dish of the Agrigento hinterland served in the Bala district
• Evening atmosphere of a popular festival starting at 8:00 PM