Marcialonga di ProJato
The April 25th hike to the archaeological site of Monte Iato, in the Jato Valley
About Marcialonga di ProJato
The Marcialonga di ProJato
The Marcialonga di ProJato is the historic April 25th walk that, in the municipalities of San Giuseppe Jato and neighboring San Cipirello, in the province of Palermo, guides hundreds of people every year along the Sentiero dei Militi to the archaeological site of Monte Iato. Organized by the Pro Loco ProJato APS, the event combines hiking, nature, archaeology, and culinary tradition in a day of celebration that welcomes spring to the Jato Valley.
The Sentiero dei Militi and Monte Iato
The heart of the day is the scenic walk along the Sentiero dei Militi, a one-hour trail overlooking the Jato and Belice valleys. Starting from the towns, the path climbs to the south-western walls of the ancient city of Iato, reaching the Monte Iato Archaeological Park, home to the Greek theater, the bouleuterion, and evidence of one of the most fascinating cities in inland Sicily. The hike is free and suitable for the whole family.
Festival, tastings, and tradition
The Marcialonga has always been part of a broader spring festival: after the walk, the village comes alive with exhibition stalls, tastings of local products, cooking shows, workshops for children, entertainment, and live music. Recent editions have also included gastronomic highlights dedicated to focaccia and local flavors, enhancing the food and wine vocation of San Giuseppe Jato, officially recognized as a City of Wine.
A staple of the Jato Valley
Promoted by ProJato APS with the involvement of the Valle dello Jato Archaeological Group and local associations, the event has become a permanent fixture in the local cultural calendar. Now in its 46th edition, the Marcialonga represents a simple and authentic way to discover the historical, natural, and gastronomic heritage of this corner of the province of Palermo, in Sicily.
Marcialonga di ProJato — edition 2026
The 46th Marcialonga di ProJato returns on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as confirmed on the official ProJato APS website. As per tradition, the day kicks off in the morning with the free hike on the Sentiero dei Militi, which leads from the towns of San Giuseppe Jato and San Cipirello up to the walls of the ancient city of Iato and the Monte Iato Archaeological Park.
The walk is usually accompanied by a spring festival featuring tastings of local products, stalls, entertainment, and live music. The detailed program for the 2026 edition — including times, final meeting points, potential shuttle services, and gastronomic activities — will be published by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event. For updates, please refer to the official ProJato APS channels.
Programme Marcialonga di ProJato 2026
The detailed program for the 46th edition will be announced by ProJato APS in the weeks leading up to April 25, 2026.
Typical structure of the day, as documented in past editions:
- Morning — Gathering and departure for the free hike on the Sentiero dei Militi (departure around 9:00 AM).
- Scenic walk of about an hour towards the south-western walls of the ancient city of Iato and visit to the Monte Iato Archaeological Park.
- Afternoon — Spring festival with stalls, local product tastings, cooking shows, workshops for children, and live music.
Highlights Marcialonga di ProJato 2026
- Free hike on the Sentiero dei Militi to Monte Iato.
- Visit to the Monte Iato Archaeological Park (Greek theater, bouleuterion).
- Spring festival with tastings and local products from the Jato Valley.
Prices Marcialonga di ProJato 2026
Practical information — Marcialonga di ProJato
When
Saturday, April 25, 2026, with gathering and departure in the morning (9:00 AM).
Where
San Giuseppe Jato and San Cipirello (PA), with arrival at the Monte Iato Archaeological Park. Traditional meeting points are Piazza del Popolo in San Giuseppe Jato and Piazza Matrice in San Cipirello.
How to get there
By car from Palermo, you can reach San Giuseppe Jato in about 40 minutes via the SS624 (Palermo-Sciacca) and local roads in the Jato Valley. In past editions, a free shuttle service was provided to reach the entrance of the archaeological park.
Costs
The hike is free. Additional services (shuttle to the excavation area, tastings) may require a small contribution.
Contacts
ProJato APS — email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Marcialonga di ProJato
Parco Archeologico di Monte Iato
Piazza del Popolo, 90048 San Giuseppe Jato