International "Sciara dell'Etna" Award
The international accolade celebrating the culture, heritage, and identity of the Etna region
About Sciara dell'Etna Award
An award that tells the soul of Etna
The International "Sciara dell'Etna" Award is a cultural event that has established itself over the years as one of the most cherished manifestations in the Ionian-Etna district, in the province of Catania, in the heart of Sicily. The name itself evokes the sciara, the solidified lava flow that characterizes the landscape of Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage site: a symbol of creative energy and cultural roots. The event is promoted by the Amici della Musica e dell'Arte Association and led by artistic director and journalist Gianvito De Salvo.
Two towns, one territory
The award is unique in that it takes place across two neighboring towns on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna: Santa Venerina, with its Teatro Eliseo, and Giarre, with the Teatro Rex and the Hall of Mirrors in the municipal palace. This dual venue reinforces the idea of an award rooted in the local community, capable of involving administrations, schools, associations, and local institutions. Throughout its editions, the event has also visited Castelmola and the city of Taormina.
Culture, memory, and identity
The "Sciara dell'Etna" Award is more than just a prize-giving ceremony: it is a journey that unites culture, education, and the identity of the territory. Honors are bestowed upon figures from the worlds of music, theater, science, research, communication, and civic duty, alongside mayors, commanders, educators, journalists, and institutional representatives. A distinctive feature is the dimension of memory: the ceremonies include posthumous awards dedicated to individuals who have left a lasting mark on the community.
A tribute to the fruits of the land
Recent editions have sought to highlight the agri-food excellence of the Etna region. A particular protagonist is the verdello lemon, described by the organizers as the "gold of Etna and the Ionian coast," to which the theme "Verde Verdello" was dedicated. The meeting of culture, music, and local flavors makes the event an authentic narrative of Sicilian identity.
Music and entertainment
The evenings are accompanied by high-level musical performances: polyphonic choirs, sopranos, tenors, historical dance groups, and flag-wavers enrich the program. The institutional framework thus blends with live entertainment, in a proposal that speaks to both the local public and guests from outside the region, in a dialogue that has also involved schools from Campania and Sicily.
Sciara dell'Etna Award — edition 2026
Fifth edition: "Verde Verdello"
The 2026 edition of the International "Sciara dell'Etna" Award was spread over two days, May 21 at the Teatro Eliseo in Santa Venerina and May 22 at the Teatro Rex in Giarre, with the theme "Verde Verdello," a tribute to the verdello lemon, defined as the "gold of Etna and the Ionian coast."
The first day in Santa Venerina featured institutional and cultural speeches, with agronomist Alfio Baudo illustrating the value of verdello cultivation, and a high-level performance by the Ionia Polyphonic Choir directed by Maestro Giuseppe Cristaudo.
The second day in Giarre combined institutional moments, the first official visit to Giarre by Archbishop Monsignor Luigi Renna, the Ave Maria performed by soprano Pina Rapisarda, historical dances by the Danzando l'800 group, and the evolutions of the Sbandieratori del Rione Panzera. The edition was inaugurated on February 20, 2026, at the Ministry of Education and Merit in Rome.
Programme Sciara dell'Etna Award 2026
2026 Program - "Verde Verdello" theme
- May 21 - Teatro Eliseo, Santa Venerina: Institutional and cultural speeches, talk by agronomist Alfio Baudo on the verdello lemon, performance by the Ionia Polyphonic Choir directed by Maestro Giuseppe Cristaudo.
- May 22 - Teatro Rex, Giarre: Institutional ceremony with the presence of Archbishop Monsignor Luigi Renna, Ave Maria by soprano Pina Rapisarda, historical dances by the Danzando l'800 group, performance by the Sbandieratori del Rione Panzera, presentation of awards to mayors, commanders, military personnel, teachers, journalists, and organizations, with posthumous awards.
Highlights Sciara dell'Etna Award 2026
- Theme of the edition: "Verde Verdello," tribute to the Etna verdello lemon
- Ionia Polyphonic Choir directed by Giuseppe Cristaudo
- Soprano Pina Rapisarda and Danzando l'800 group
- Sbandieratori del Rione Panzera
- Posthumous awards to Nino La Mancusa and Lea Barbagallo
Prices Sciara dell'Etna Award 2026
Practical information — Sciara dell'Etna Award
Where it takes place
The event is held between the Teatro Eliseo in Santa Venerina and the Teatro Rex in Giarre, both in the province of Catania, on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna.
How to get there
By car: A18 Messina-Catania motorway, Giarre exit, then follow signs for Santa Venerina. By train: Giarre-Riposto station on the Messina-Catania-Siracusa line. By plane: Catania-Fontanarossa airport, approximately 40 km away.
Admission
The award ceremonies are institutional and cultural events open to the public. For information on dates and how to participate, it is recommended to follow the channels of the Amici della Musica e dell'Arte Association and the local press.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Sciara dell'Etna Award
Teatro Eliseo