CosmoFest

A festival born from the neighborhood

CosmoFest is much more than just a summer event: it is the festival through which the San Cosimo district in Acireale (Catania, Sicily) tells its story and opens up to the city. The event is organized by the Santi Cosma e Damiano cultural association around the parish citadel of the saintly doctors, with the stated goal of enhancing the neighborhood and making it a meeting point for families, young people, and visitors. Since its debut in 2022, the festival has grown year by year, always maintaining its character as a festival of integration and solidarity.

What to experience at CosmoFest

For three evenings, the space in front of the parish transforms into a small, vibrant village. The program weaves together different genres and styles, designed for all ages:

• Live music with bands, tribute acts, and local artists from Acireale
• Local farmers' markets and artisan stalls
• Art exhibitions and displays, often featuring vintage cars and motorcycles
• Food area with specialties and street food, heir to the historic Sagra della rosetta con la mortadella
• Workshops, shows, and activities for children
• Charitable initiatives such as blood drives with local volunteer associations

Over the years, CosmoFest has hosted street performances, parades, storytelling moments, book presentations, and initiatives dedicated to inclusion and disability, confirming its status as an event with deep social roots.

Acireale and the Riviera dei Ciclopi

Acireale is one of the most fascinating cities on the Sicilian Ionian coast, famous for its Baroque architecture, one of Italy's oldest Carnivals, and the volcanic landscape of the Riviera dei Ciclopi. CosmoFest brings this festive spirit into the heart of a peripheral district, restoring its centrality and vitality. Attending means discovering an authentic and communal side of Acireale, far from the most beaten tourist paths but rich in human warmth and popular tradition.

An event for the whole family

Thanks to free admission and the variety of the program, CosmoFest is an ideal destination for an evening with family or friends. Between a stroll through the stalls, a gastronomic tasting, and a concert under the stars, the event perfectly captures the welcoming and supportive identity of the San Cosimo district and the city of Acireale.