Gran Galà del Pizzolo of Sortino
The DeCo Sortino pizzolo festival in the heart of Sortino
About Gran Galà del Pizzolo
A festival dedicated to the Sortino pizzolo
The Gran Galà del Pizzolo of Sortino is the gastronomic event that celebrates the signature product of the Municipality of Sortino, in the province of Syracuse, in the heart of south-eastern Sicily. The absolute star is the pizzolo, a savory leavened bread with ancient roots dating back to Arab-Norman Sicily, now recognized as a DeCo (Municipal Denomination) product and a candidate for local heritage status. Traditionally baked on hot stones, the pizzolo was the hearty meal of agricultural workers and still represents a true piece of Sortino identity today.
The pizzolo in all its variations
During the event, stalls set up in Piazza Santa Sofia and the historic center offer the pizzolo in dozens of variations: from the classic semolina recipe to gourmet versions, and even sweet interpretations with ricotta and local honey. Showcooking and demonstrations by local pizzaioli reveal the techniques and secrets of a preparation passed down from generation to generation.
Music, shows, and culture
The Gran Galà is not just about gastronomy: the town squares come alive with live music, street performances, and high-quality folk events. During the festival, the main city museums remain open, including the Puppet Museum, the Antiquarium Sortinese, the Sicilian Cart Museum, and La Casa dei Nonni, offering a journey that weaves together flavors and cultural heritage.
Sortino and the Anapo Valley
Perched on a hill overlooking the Anapo Valley, Sortino is a town rich in history, just a few kilometers from the rock necropolis of Pantalica, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Gran Galà del Pizzolo represents an opportunity for the Municipality to promote the Iblean territory, attracting visitors and curious travelers to discover the food and wine excellence and traditions of inland Sicily. To facilitate access to the historic center, a free shuttle service is active during the event days.
Gran Galà del Pizzolo — edition 2026
The third edition of the Gran Galà del Pizzolo of Sortino was held on June 20 and 21, 2026, in Piazza Santa Sofia, organized by the Municipality of Sortino led by Mayor Vincenzo Parlato. On Saturday, June 20, the stalls opened at 7:00 PM with the inauguration of photography exhibitions set up for the occasion, followed in the evening by a concert dedicated to the music of Ennio Morricone with Francesco Drago on piano and his String Trio. On Sunday, June 21, the festival resumed from 11:00 AM, enlivened from noon by the street performance "I Cumpari" and concluded in the evening with a concert by soprano Manuela Infalletta. Throughout the event, city museums remained open and a free shuttle service was active.
Programme Gran Galà del Pizzolo 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026
- 7:00 PM: Opening of food stalls and inauguration of photography exhibitions
- In the evening, Piazza Santa Sofia: Concert dedicated to the music of Ennio Morricone with Francesco Drago (piano) and String Trio
- Stalls open until midnight
Sunday, June 21, 2026
- 11:00 AM: Opening of the day and stalls
- From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM: "I Cumpari" street performance
- In the evening, Piazza Santa Sofia: Concert by soprano Manuela Infalletta
Highlights Gran Galà del Pizzolo 2026
- DeCo Sortino pizzolo in dozens of variations, from classic to gourmet and sweet
- Concert dedicated to Ennio Morricone with Francesco Drago and String Trio
- Concert by soprano Manuela Infalletta
- "I Cumpari" street performance
- Photography exhibitions and open city museums
- Free shuttle service
Prices Gran Galà del Pizzolo 2026
Practical information — Gran Galà del Pizzolo
How to get there
Sortino is located in the province of Syracuse and can be reached by car via the SS124 and the Iblean provincial road network. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa, about an hour away. During the event, a free shuttle service is available to reach the historic center.
Admission and hours
Admission to the event is free. Gastronomic stalls generally open on the evening of the first day and continue the following day. We recommend visiting the city museums, which are open for the occasion.
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Where does it take place — Gran Galà del Pizzolo
Piazza Santa Sofia
Piazza Santa Sofia, 96010 Sortino