Ibleo May of Books
The national campaign promoting reading across the Baroque towns of Scicli and Marina di Ragusa
About Ibleo May of Books
A month of reading in the heart of the Iblei
The Ibleo May of Books is the local iteration of the national May of Books campaign promoted by the Ministry of Culture's Centre for Books and Reading, taking place in the town of Scicli and the seaside hamlet of Marina di Ragusa. Throughout the month of May, reading steps out of libraries and into the squares, courtyards, and coastline of the Ragusa province in Sicily, transforming the UNESCO-protected Baroque landscape into a vast, open-air stage.
A widespread program across Baroque palaces and the coast
The festival features a series of events held in iconic Scicli locations: from the 18th-century Palazzo Spadaro to the former Carmine Convent in Piazza Busacca, and the FILUSÌ Reading Room in the Jungi district. Book presentations, round tables on literary festivals in the Iblean area, and collective readings make up a calendar designed to engage readers of all ages.
A tribute to Camilleri and the sea
A hallmark of the event is its deep connection to great Sicilian literature: one day is entirely dedicated to Andrea Camilleri, featuring public readings of the Master's works and a book drive to enrich the "Camilleri Shelf". The most evocative moment is the literary walk "Coasts of Books, Coasts of Sea," a trek between the coastal towers of Marina di Ragusa where pages dedicated to the Sicilians' relationship with the sea are read aloud.
A network of local associations
The Ibleo May of Books is the result of a collaborative effort by a Promoting Group that brings together numerous local entities, including Abulafia Editore, Pro Loco Mazzarelli, the FILUSÌ Library, the Legambiente Scicli Kiafura circle, the Siemu a Peri association, and the Mazzarelli Bookclub. This network creates a participatory, low-impact event that simultaneously celebrates architectural heritage, independent publishing, and the promotion of reading in the Iblean territory.
Why attend
- Free events held in the most beautiful Baroque settings of Scicli
- Meetings with authors, publishers, and key figures of Iblean culture
- Tribute to Andrea Camilleri and the literary roots of south-eastern Sicily
- Literary walk along the Marina di Ragusa coastline
Ibleo May of Books — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Ibleo May of Books opened on Monday, May 11, at Palazzo Spadaro in Scicli at 5:30 PM, with the presentation of the volume "La città del petrolio – 70 anni di storia a Ragusa" introduced by Pierluigi Catalfo. On May 12, at the former Carmine Convent in Piazza Busacca, Carmelo Arezzo engaged in a discussion with Piera Ficili, Giorgio Massari, and Domenico Occhipinti regarding literary festivals in the Iblei.
On May 22, the FILUSÌ Reading Room hosted the day dedicated to Andrea Camilleri, featuring public readings and book donations for the "Camilleri Shelf". On May 24, the festival moved to the Marina di Ragusa coastline for the literary walk "Coste di Libri, Coste di Mare", from Torre Mazzarelli to Punta di Mola along the Two Towers Path. The closing event on May 29 in Ragusa featured a debate between Carlo Blangiforti and Giorgio Spadaro on artificial intelligence in publishing.
Programme Ibleo May of Books 2026
- May 11, 5:30 PM – Palazzo Spadaro (Scicli): presentation of "La città del petrolio – 70 anni di storia a Ragusa" with Pierluigi Catalfo
- May 12, 6:00 PM – Former Carmine Convent, Piazza Busacca (Scicli): round table on literary festivals in the Iblei with Carmelo Arezzo, Piera Ficili, Giorgio Massari, Domenico Occhipinti
- May 22 – FILUSÌ Reading Room, Jungi district (Scicli): day dedicated to Andrea Camilleri, public readings and donations for the "Camilleri Shelf"
- May 24, 9:30 AM – Marina di Ragusa: literary walk "Coste di Libri, Coste di Mare", from Torre Mazzarelli to Punta di Mola
- May 29 – Ragusa, Sala AVIS "Di Grandi": debate on publishing and artificial intelligence with Carlo Blangiforti and Giorgio Spadaro
Highlights Ibleo May of Books 2026
Prices Ibleo May of Books 2026
Practical information — Ibleo May of Books
Getting there
Scicli is located in the province of Ragusa, in south-eastern Sicily. By car, it can be reached via the SS115; the nearest airports are Comiso (approx. 40 km) and Catania Fontanarossa (approx. 100 km). The Scicli train station is served by the Syracuse-Gela line.
Event venues
Events take place primarily in Scicli (Palazzo Spadaro, former Carmine Convent in Piazza Busacca, FILUSÌ Reading Room in the Jungi district) and along the coast in Marina di Ragusa.
Admission
Festival events are generally free of charge. It is recommended to check dates and times on the organizers' official channels before attending.
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Where does it take place — Ibleo May of Books
Palazzo Spadaro