Springtime in San Cipirello: nature, culture, and tradition at the foot of Monte Iato
"Monte Iato in... Spring Festival" is the signature event in San Cipirello that marks the arrival of the warmer season. Promoted by the Municipality of San Cipirello in collaboration with the Sicilian Region and managed by the Associazione Cresciamo Insieme APS, the festival transforms Via Roma and the nearby Monte Iato Archaeological Park into a vibrant trail of nature, culture, gastronomy, and tradition. Located at the foot of the ancient city of Iaitas, the village welcomes families, hikers, and curious visitors to an event designed to highlight local heritage and community spirit.
The naturalistic heart of the festival is the guided hike on Monte Iato, departing from the information point on Via Roma. This is complemented by the historic "Marcia Lunga" (Long March), which starts from Piazza Matrice and winds through the valley paths up to the slopes of the mountain. These walks offer a chance to explore the Jato Valley landscape and reach the Archaeological Park, home to the remains of the ancient city of Iaitas.
Stands featuring local food and wine are set up along Via Roma, offering tastings and live cooking shows that showcase traditional flavors: ricotta, arancine, cannoli, chocolate, and local pastries. Children can enjoy dedicated workshops and entertainment, while the afternoon is filled with culinary demonstrations and social gatherings. The day concludes with evening musical entertainment.
The festival is free and open to everyone, made possible by the joint efforts of the Municipality of San Cipirello, the Sicilian Region, and the Associazione Cresciamo Insieme APS, with the support of local businesses and cultural associations. "Monte Iato in... Spring Festival" has become a key spring initiative for the Jato Valley and the surrounding Palermo province, successfully combining the promotion of natural and archaeological heritage with the rediscovery of culinary and popular traditions.
The Municipality of San Cipirello has announced the 2026 edition of "Monte Iato in... Spring Festival" for April 25, 2026, returning the event to its traditional date following the previous year's postponement. The festival, organized in partnership with the Sicilian Region and managed by the Associazione Cresciamo Insieme APS, confirms its successful formula: nature hikes to the Monte Iato Archaeological Park, the "Marcia Lunga" from Piazza Matrice, food and wine stands along Via Roma with local tastings, workshops and entertainment for children, live cooking, and music. This edition reaffirms the bond between the Jato Valley village, in the province of Palermo, and its cultural and gastronomic traditions.
San Cipirello (PA), along Via Roma and at the Monte Iato Archaeological Park. The "Marcia Lunga" departs from Piazza Matrice.
By car: San Cipirello is accessible via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway (take the exit for Valle dello Jato). By train and bus: use the Palermo metropolitan area stations, with connecting bus services to the town.
Free event, open to all.
For the hikes and the "Marcia Lunga", we recommend comfortable trekking shoes, water, and clothing suitable for hill walking.
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Via Roma e Parco Archeologico di Monte Iato
Via Roma, 90088 San Cipirello