ETNAntispecista Veg Fest

A festival at the foot of Mount Etna

The ETNAntispecista Veg Fest makes its debut on July 4th and 5th, 2026, in Trecastagni, within the Metropolitan City of Catania, in the heart of Eastern Sicily. It is the island's first vegan, antispeciesist, and intersectional festival, hosted in a unique setting: L'Arca di Natalia, a sanctuary for liberated animals located on the slopes of Mount Etna, at via Dottor Giuseppe Zappalà 65. A place where animals saved from exploitation live in freedom, which for two days will become the beating heart of a great celebration of awareness.

An intersectional approach

The festival focuses on animal liberation and connects it to the various forms of exploitation, discrimination, and violence present in society: racism, human rights, the climate crisis, sea rescues, biodiversity protection, war, and environmental devastation. An intersectional perspective that unites animal ethics, social justice, and sustainability into a single conversation.

Conferences, talks, and guests

The two-day event features talks and conferences with prominent figures from activism, culture, and research. Announced guests include: Gianluca Felicetti (LAV), Massimo Manni (Capra Libera Tutti), gynecologist and sexologist Marina Cortese, Sonny Richichi (Italian Horse Protection), Adriana Santanocito (Ohoskin), Matthias Abele (Sea-Watch), and Carmelo Isgrò (MuMa - Sea Museum of Milazzo). Organizations such as Arcigay, Emergency, and Non Una Di Meno will also be present.

Workshops and holistic activities

The program is packed with workshops for all ages: from the children's workshop "Paws or Feet. One Heart" to plant-based cooking classes, self-produced zine making, and henna tattoos. There is also space for holistic activities, including shiatsu sessions, yoga in nature, mindful movement, and a slow walk on Mount Etna led by an environmental guide. Among the most moving experiences are the guided tours of the sanctuary, where you can discover the stories of the animals living there.

Music, market, and plant-based food court

In the evening, enjoy live music with queer performances and artists such as Ali Roots (reggae) and Dinastia (rap). The market area features artisans, companies, shelters, and associations, while the food court offers entirely plant-based dishes. For those who want to fully experience the festival, on-site camping is available.

Free admission and charity

Admission to the festival is free. For individual activities and workshops, donations (generally between 10 and 20 euros) are requested, all of which are donated to support the L'Arca di Natalia sanctuary. An event in Trecastagni, in the province of Catania, that weaves together activism, culture, and celebration in a unique experience on the Sicilian landscape.