Collesano Cheese Festival (Madonie Cheese Festival)
The Madonie cheese festival in the heart of the Madonie mountains
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Collesano Cheese Festival
A festival dedicated to Madonie cheese
The Collesano Cheese Festival, also known as the Madonie Cheese Festival, is one of the most beloved food and wine events in the Madonie region. It takes place in the historic center of Collesano, a charming village in the Province of Palermo nestled within the Madonie Park, in Sicily. For an entire weekend, the streets and squares of the town transform into the so-called Viale del Gusto, a sensory journey through the ancient heart of the town that showcases the best local dairy production.
The Viale del Gusto and tastings
The beating heart of the festival is the producers' market: cheesemakers, farmers, and dairy companies present their cheeses, from aged pecorino to fresh ricotta, alongside typical zero-mile products from the Madonie area. The trail is filled with street food stalls, preserves, honey, traditional sweets, and Sicilian specialties. Among the most popular activities are the ricotta-making demonstrations and cooking shows featuring masterclasses led by chefs and culinary artisans.
Music, culture, and territory
The Collesano Cheese Festival is about more than just gastronomy. The program combines flavors with live music, featuring local bands and entertainment by Radio Cheese, as well as street performances, children's activities, and folk group displays. Completing the experience are guided tours to discover the historical and artistic heritage of Collesano, from medieval alleys and churches to the famous Targa Florio Museum, which chronicles the village's bond with the historic Madonie car race.
A growing tradition
Reaching its seventeenth edition in 2025, the event is organized by the Pro Loco Collesano APS in collaboration with the Municipality of Collesano and, in recent years, the Youth Council, reflecting a festival capable of uniting generations. The event is supported by the Regional Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Mediterranean Fisheries, confirming the value that Madonie dairy production holds for the entire Sicilian Region.
Why visit
Attending the Collesano Cheese Festival means spending two days immersed in the scents and flavors of an authentic, rural Sicily, while discovering a village rich in history and a community proud of its roots. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that of the best village festivals, where cheese becomes an opportunity for gathering, celebration, and promoting the Madonie territory.
Collesano Cheese Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Collesano Cheese Festival is expected, as per tradition, to take place over a weekend in November in the historic center of Collesano, in the Province of Palermo. At the moment, the organizers have not yet released the official dates or the program: the Pro Loco has announced that the calendar will be published shortly. For the upcoming edition, the Viale del Gusto is expected to host tastings of Madonie cheeses and ricotta, cooking shows, live music, and guided tours. Information will be updated as soon as it becomes available.
Practical information — Collesano Cheese Festival
How to get there
Collesano is located in the Madonie Park, in the Province of Palermo. By car, it can be reached via the A19/A20 motorway, taking the Buonfornello exit and continuing inland; the nearest train station is Campofelice di Roccella, on the Palermo-Messina line, from which you can continue by car to the village.
Admission and hours
Admission to the event is free. The festival traditionally takes place over a weekend in November, opening on the afternoon of the first day and continuing throughout the second day. Tastings at the various stalls are paid according to the producers' price lists.
Tips
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing for walking along the alleys of the historic center and taking advantage of the guided tours and local museums, starting with the Targa Florio Museum.
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Where does it take place — Collesano Cheese Festival
Centro storico - Viale del Gusto