Kamalé – Yesss People Festival

The Yesss People festival in Lampedusa

The Kamalé – Yesss People Festival is a late-September event that brings the center of Lampedusa to life. Located in the municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa, at the southernmost tip of the province of Agrigento and Sicily, the island transforms for a few days into an open-air stage where cabaret shows, live concerts, theater performances, and public meetings animate the evenings, all set against the backdrop of the sea.

The meaning of "Kamalé"

The word Kamalé, in an African language, means "unity": an invitation to bring together voices, arts, ideas, and people. It is a name that perfectly captures the identity of Lampedusa, an island-bridge in the heart of the Mediterranean, a symbol of hospitality and the meeting of cultures. The festival embraces this vocation, translating it into a program that blends quality entertainment with civic engagement.

Inclusion, solidarity, and sustainability

The festival was born with a strong social spirit. Local restaurateurs in the food area collaborate with vulnerable individuals, part of the proceeds and unsold food are donated to the Lampedusa parish Caritas, and the entire event adopts sustainable practices, using compostable tableware and reusable cups. The 2025 edition was also supported by the European KAMALÉ grant, as part of the program linked to sustainable development goals.

Music, cabaret, and culture

The lineup alternates big names in Sicilian and national comedy and music with emerging voices. The evenings mix stand-up comedy, cabaret, concerts, and discussions on topics such as rights and the environment, all in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Alongside the shows, the food & beverage area offers Mediterranean cuisine from local restaurants, selected wines, and local craft beer.

An experience that celebrates the island

Beyond the evening shows, Kamalé offers daytime experiences dedicated to discovering the territory: guided walks in the nature reserve, cultural visits, lunches by the sea, and meetings with the Lampedusan community. It is a way to experience the island in a slow and conscious manner, highlighting the beauty of the places and the people who inhabit them, while helping to de-seasonalize tourism in Lampedusa and Linosa.