Christmas at the Minoriti – Craft Exhibition
Sicilian artistic craftsmanship in the Baroque cloister of Palazzo Minoriti, in the heart of Catania
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Christmas at the Minoriti
Christmas at the Minoriti, excellence in craftsmanship in Catania
Christmas at the Minoriti – Craft Exhibition is one of the most distinctive events of the Christmas season in Catania. Every December, the event opens the doors of the Cloister of Palazzo Minoriti, at Via Etnea 73, transforming the ancient Baroque courtyard into a showcase of Sicilian artistic craftsmanship. The initiative is curated by the Delfare Association, a cultural organization founded to promote fine arts and creativity throughout Sicily.
A showcase of Sicilian fine crafts
The exhibition route gathers the best of the island's artisanal production. Among the stalls, visitors will find raku ceramics, majolica, and terracotta, objects made of lava stone and mosaic, fine art photography, lace and embroidery, artistic nativity scenes, metal jewelry with stones and crystals, creative home textiles, traditional woven rugs, and designer objects made from natural fibers. There is also no shortage of local flavors, such as Etna honey, jams, and fruit preserves.
Atmosphere and tradition in the Baroque cloister
The setting is Palazzo Minoriti, an ancient conventual seat of the Minorite friars, rebuilt in Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake by architect Francesco Battaglia, and now home to the provincial administration. Inside the cloister, there is also a small exhibition of artistic nativity scenes and the reconstruction of a traditional Sicilian peasant house from the early 20th century, complete with antique Sicilian carts. During the exhibition, artisans perform live demonstrations, explaining their creative techniques.
A staple of the Christmas season in Catania
Included in the rich Christmas calendar of the Municipality of Catania, in Sicily, the exhibition complements the markets set up in the city center, from Via Minoriti to Piazza Università. With free admission, Christmas at the Minoriti is an opportunity to discover the island's excellent craftsmanship and take home a unique gift, the result of the manual labor of Sicilian artists and artisans.
Useful Information
- Where: Cloister of Palazzo Minoriti, Via Etnea 73, Catania
- When: During the Christmas season, generally from late November to the end of December
- Admission: Free
- Organization: Delfare Association
Christmas at the Minoriti — edition 2026
Christmas at the Minoriti 2026 does not yet have official dates. The event, organized by the Delfare Association in the Cloister of Palazzo Minoriti in Catania, traditionally takes place every year during the Christmas season: the 2026 edition is expected to take place in December, but the calendar and program have not yet been published. Information will be updated as soon as it is released by the organizers.
Prices Christmas at the Minoriti 2026
Practical information — Christmas at the Minoriti
How to get there
The Cloister of Palazzo Minoriti is located at Via Etnea 73, in the historic center of Catania, just a few steps from Piazza Università and the Cathedral. The area is pedestrianized and well-served by public transport: the FCE metro (Stesicoro stop) and numerous AMT bus lines connect the center with the train station and peripheral parking lots. Those arriving by car can use the park-and-ride facilities and reach the center on foot, given the traffic restrictions in the central streets.
Admission
Access to the exhibition is free. It is recommended to check the updated dates and times on the Delfare Association's channels before visiting.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Christmas at the Minoriti
Chiostro di Palazzo Minoriti
Via Etnea 73, 95124 Catania