Menzel el Emir and the Flavors of the Mediterranean (Couscous and Sparkling Wines)
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Wine Local produce

Menzel el Emir and the Flavors of the Mediterranean (Couscous and Sparkling Wines)

Signature couscous and Sicilian sparkling wines amidst the citrus groves of Misilmeri

Misilmeri — Palermo (282) Since 2024
Dates 01 Sep — 01 Sep 2026
Location Misilmeri (282)
Prices —
Status —

Edition 2026 not confirmed to date

This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.

About Menzel el Emir

In Misilmeri, near Palermo, the Menzel el Emir and the Flavors of the Mediterranean food and wine event celebrates the town's Arab roots through the Mediterranean's iconic dish: couscous. Enjoy an evening of signature tastings by Michelin-starred and emerging Sicilian chefs, paired with the island's finest sparkling wines, all set in the picturesque La Dispensa organic farm, surrounded by olive and citrus groves. A journey through taste, identity, and culture that rediscovers the Arab past of Misilmeri, the ancient Menzel el Emir, the "Village of the Emir."

A tribute to the Arab roots of Misilmeri

The name of the town of Misilmeri, in the Province of Palermo, derives from the Arabic Menzel el Emir, meaning "Village of the Emir": a legacy still visible in the castle overlooking the village and in the local historical memory. This Mediterranean identity is the inspiration behind Menzel el Emir and the Flavors of the Mediterranean, a food and wine event organized by the Pro Loco of Misilmeri that tells the story of cultural dialogue through the most representative dish of the Mediterranean basin: couscous.

Signature couscous and Sicilian sparkling wines

The heart of the event is the tasting experience: some of the most talented Sicilian chefs reinterpret couscous with a creative twist, from traditional fish versions to sweet variations, paired with sparkling wines produced by the island's best wineries. It is a sensory journey that combines haute cuisine, local products, and native wines in a convivial and refined atmosphere.

The setting: La Dispensa organic farm

The event takes place at the La Dispensa Organic Farm, in Contrada Segretaria, on the outskirts of Misilmeri. The farm's terrace, nestled among olive and citrus groves, provides a natural backdrop for the tastings, with the panorama of the Palermo countryside completing the experience.

A project for the local area

Beyond the evening of fine dining, Menzel el Emir aims to become an annual festival capable of promoting Sicilian agri-food products and gastronomic culture, strengthening the bond between the community and its territory. The initiative is supported by the Pro Loco together with institutional partners and industry associations, with the goal of making Misilmeri a reference point for quality food and wine in Sicily.

Why attend

  • Couscous tastings by Michelin-starred and emerging Sicilian chefs
  • Pairings with sparkling wines from excellent Sicilian wineries
  • A stunning location among olive and citrus groves
  • An authentic story of Misilmeri's Arab roots

Menzel el Emir — edition 2026

Following the first two editions in 2024 and 2025, the Pro Loco of Misilmeri has expressed its intention to continue and expand Menzel el Emir and the Flavors of the Mediterranean, with the ambition of transforming it into an annual festival dedicated to couscous and Sicilian gastronomy. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: the event is traditionally held in September at the La Dispensa farm.

The 2026 edition of Menzel el Emir and the Flavors of the Mediterranean does not yet have an official date. The organizers from the Pro Loco of Misilmeri have expressed their desire to provide continuity to the event and help it grow, aiming for a broader festival capable of making Misilmeri a reference point for Sicilian gastronomic culture. Pending the official announcement, the event is expected to take place in September, as in previous years, at the La Dispensa organic farm in Contrada Segretaria.

Practical information — Menzel el Emir

Location

Azienda Agricola Biologica La Dispensa, Contrada Segretaria 12, Misilmeri (PA), Sicily.

How to get there

By car: Misilmeri is about 20 km from Palermo, accessible via the A19 motorway and the SS121. The La Dispensa farm is located in a rural area, in Contrada Segretaria, just outside the town.

Reservations and contacts

Participation is by mandatory reservation. For information and bookings, contact the Pro Loco of Misilmeri at [email protected] or via their official social media channels.

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 — Menzel el Emir

Azienda Agricola Biologica La Dispensa

Contrada Segretaria 12, 90036 Misilmeri

Contact Menzel el Emir

Menzel el Emir in brief

Gastronomy Wine Local produce World cuisine Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Palermo

History of Menzel el Emir