La Venere dell'Etna — Mineo Stage
The Mineo stage of the Sicilian national beauty pageant, held in Piazza Buglio
About La Venere dell'Etna Mineo
La Venere dell'Etna in Mineo
La Venere dell'Etna is one of the longest-running beauty pageants in Eastern Sicily, reaching its 23rd edition in 2026. Conceived and organized by patron Antonio Russo, the pageant tours the island every summer, visiting numerous towns in the Catania area and neighboring provinces, before culminating in the grand regional final in Acireale, in Piazza Duomo. Among the most anticipated stops on the calendar for years has been Mineo, an ancient village in the Calatino area of the province of Catania (now the Metropolitan City of Catania), in the Sicily Region.
An evening in Piazza Buglio
The Mineo stage takes place in the scenic Piazza Buglio, the historic center's drawing room, dedicated to the Jesuit Ludovico Buglio. For one night, the square transforms into an open-air catwalk: contestants aged 14 to 29 from the provinces of Catania, Ragusa, and Syracuse parade before the jury and the public, vying for the Miss Mineo sash and the coveted direct access to the regional final.
Fashion, entertainment, and the local area
The evening is more than just a pageant: it is an event promoting the local area that involves boutiques, hairdressers, and make-up artists from the region, turning the town into a true fashion district. The fashion shows are accompanied by dance performances, live music, and entertainment moments led by official presenter Paola Parisi, joined by the reigning queens of the pageant.
A consolidated bond with the Municipality
The choice of Mineo as a permanent stop on the tour testifies to the well-established bond between the event and the local community, supported by the Municipal Administration. The stage represents one of the town's most cherished summer appointments, capable of drawing audiences to Piazza Buglio from Caltagirone, Grammichele, Palagonia, Scordia, Licodia Eubea, San Michele di Ganzaria, and other towns in the Calatino area.
Mineo, city of Capuana
The event is set against the backdrop of a village with a strong cultural identity: Mineo is the birthplace of writer Luigi Capuana and dialect poet Paolo Maura, and it preserves a historic center rich in churches and panoramic views over the plains of Catania. Visiting Mineo for La Venere dell'Etna is also an opportunity to discover one of the most characteristic towns in inland Sicily.
La Venere dell'Etna Mineo — edition 2026
2026 Edition in Mineo
The 23rd edition of La Venere dell'Etna once again chooses Mineo as the venue for one of its Sicilian stages. Confirmed in February 2026 by the Municipal Administration and patron Antonio Russo, the evening is expected for late July 2026 in Piazza Buglio; the precise date has not yet been officially communicated.
The stage is part of the summer selection tour that travels across all of Sicily to identify the regional finalists, ahead of the final in Piazza Duomo in Acireale. On stage, official presenter Paola Parisi will be joined by the reigning queens Azzurra Spanò (Venere dell'Etna) and Elena Ferrara (Venere dell'Etna Curvy). The detailed program for the Mineo evening will be released in the weeks leading up to the event.
Practical information — La Venere dell'Etna Mineo
How to get there
Mineo can be reached by car via the SS417 Catania-Gela road, taking the exit toward the Calatino area; the reference airports are Catania-Fontanarossa (approx. 60 km) and Comiso. The evening takes place in Piazza Buglio, in the town's historic center.
Admission
The event is held outdoors and public access to the square is generally free. Registration for the pageant is open to girls aged 14 to 29 through the official La Venere dell'Etna channels.
When
The Mineo stage traditionally takes place in July. It is recommended to check the exact date on the event's official social media channels.
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Where does it take place — La Venere dell'Etna Mineo
Piazza Buglio
Piazza Buglio, 95044 Mineo