La Notte Gialla – Yellow Melon Festival

La Notte Gialla, the yellow melon takes center stage in Gibellina

The La Notte Gialla – Yellow Melon Festival is the food and wine festival that enlivens the historic center of Gibellina, in the province of Trapani, in the heart of the Belice Valley in Sicily, at the end of August. For two evenings, the city—rebuilt after the 1968 earthquake and known worldwide as an open-air contemporary art museum—transforms into a grand festive village weaving together flavors, music, and culture.

The yellow melon, the "winter melon" of the Belice

The heart of the event is the Gibellina yellow melon, known as the "winter melon": it is harvested in summer, but thanks to its thick rind, it lasts until Christmas, retaining its sweet, sugary pulp. The festival celebrates its organoleptic qualities through a tasting journey ranging from fresh fruit to gelato, from spiced jams to savory and fried dishes, and even original pairings with local wines.

The food and wine village

The food and wine village stalls typically open around 6:30 PM. Alongside melon-based recipes, you will find specialties of Sicilian cuisine: Palermo-style street food, Trapani-style busiate pasta, grilled meats, local wines, and craft beers. There is also space for craftsmanship with the "Mercato dell'Ingegno," which brings together the creations of masters and artists from the Belice region.

Music, art, and guided tours

• Evening live concerts, usually starting at 10:30 PM, with bands and traveling performances animating the alleys and squares.
• Guided tours of Gibellina's artistic heritage, featuring its masterpieces and installations of national and international significance.
• Educational workshops for children dedicated to art, performances, and open-air artists.

The event is tied to Gibellina's vocation as a city of contemporary art and the gastronomic identity of the Belice region, of which the yellow melon is a recognized symbol.

A late-summer appointment

Organized by the Pro Loco of Gibellina, with the participation of local entities such as Tenute Orestiadi, La Notte Gialla is free to enter and has become a classic late-August appointment for residents and visitors choosing to discover Gibellina and the Belice Valley.