Meraki Book Festival

A book festival in the baroque heart of the Iblei

The Meraki Book Festival is the premier book and culture event in Palazzolo Acreide, a refined baroque village and UNESCO World Heritage site in the province of Syracuse, nestled in the heart of the Iblei mountains in Sicily. Established in 2022 by the Meraki ETS Association, the event has quickly become one of the most anticipated literary gatherings in the Iblean area, attracting authors, publishers, and readers from across the island.

The name "Meraki" comes from a Greek word describing the act of doing something with soul, creativity, and love: this is precisely the spirit with which the volunteers of the association, presided over by Fabio Fancello, curate the event each year.

Meetings, presentations, and literary aperitifs

The festival is divided into several thematic sessions, each dedicated to a specific author, literary genre, or narrative thread. The meetings are interspersed with literary aperitifs and aim to stimulate dialogue with the public, share writing and research methods, and bring new narratives to light. Alongside the presentations, the festival features:

• a book fair with local publishers and bookstores;
• a creative and craft market, showcasing local artisanal skills;
• workshops for children and families dedicated to nature, mythology, and folk traditions;
• excursions and guided tours to discover the Iblean heritage.

Venues in the historic center

Past editions have involved the most beautiful locations in Palazzolo Acreide: from the Municipal Auditorium to the Civic Atrium, and from the arches of Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the San Sebastiano Contemporary space. The walk between one venue and another is part of the experience itself, winding through baroque churches, noble palaces, and views over the Anapo Valley.

An event of the "Palazzolo è" season

The Meraki Book Festival is part of the "Palazzolo è" cultural calendar, promoted by the Municipality of Palazzolo Acreide, which brings theater, music, art, and literature to the city from May to September. Admission to the festival is free, in line with the association's mission to make culture a tool for community growth and connection.

Why attend

For those visiting south-eastern Sicily, the Meraki Book Festival is the ideal opportunity to combine the discovery of the Iblean baroque with a vibrant cultural offering: a weekend of words, ideas, and traditions in one of the most charming villages of the Val di Noto.