'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival
Celebrating the flavors of Campobello in Piazza XX Settembre
About 'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival
A festival that tells the story of Campobello through its food
Every spring, the historic center of Campobello di Licata, in the province of Agrigento, comes alive for the 'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival, one of the most anticipated gastronomic events in the Sicilian hinterland. Promoted by the Campobello 1861 Association with the support of the local municipality, the festival is a three-day journey into the identity of this south-central Sicilian town, where home cooking becomes a public celebration.
The two star dishes
At the heart of the event are the two dishes that give the festival its name, recipes jealously guarded and passed down through generations:
- 'Mpurnatu: A rich baked pasta timbale prepared with eggs, cauliflower, meat sauce, and pecorino, a true symbol of Campobello's festive cuisine.
- 'Mpanata: A fragrant focaccia (or stuffed bread) filled with spinach and baked in the oven, offering a simple and authentic taste.
Both dishes tell the story of the local farming heritage and can be enjoyed at the food stalls set up along the town's streets, with options also available for gluten-free and lactose-free diets.
What happens in the square
The heart of the festivities is Piazza XX Settembre, where tastings, performances, and entertainment are concentrated. The program features live music, folk groups, children's entertainment, Sicilian cart exhibitions, and markets showcasing local crafts and produce. The event also highlights local identity through traditions like the vintage car rally and the competition for the best 'mpurnatu and 'mpanata, where local cooks compete before a jury, culminating in an awards ceremony attended by municipal authorities.
A community celebration in the province of Agrigento
More than just a food festival, this event is a moment of strong cohesion for Campobello di Licata: an entire community gathers around its own flavors and opens its doors to visitors from neighboring towns and all of Sicily. Guests will find a town in celebration, the scent of fresh baking in the streets, and the chance to discover a culinary tradition that isn't found in restaurants, but only in family kitchens.
'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival — edition 2026
The 13th edition of the 'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival was held from May 8 to 10, 2026, in Piazza XX Settembre in Campobello di Licata, confirming the success of one of the most popular gastronomic events in the Agrigento area. Three days of street food, music, and shows attracted numerous visitors, including many from outside the province.
Highlights included live concerts, the vintage car rally, children's entertainment, folk performances, and the exhibition of Sicilian carts. The heart of the festival, as always, was the competition for the best 'mpurnatu and 'mpanata, which concluded with the awarding of the winners in the presence of municipal authorities.
Programme 'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival 2026
Friday, May 8
- Opening of the festival and food stalls (including gluten-free and lactose-free products)
- Street food, live music, and evening shows
Saturday, May 9
- Food stalls, markets for local products and crafts
- Live concerts: Mizzica and Dune Mosse
- Children's entertainment
Sunday, May 10
- 10:00 AM — Opening of the stalls
- 11:00 AM — Vintage car rally
- Afternoon — Children's entertainment and Sicilian cart exhibition
- 5:00 PM — Award ceremony for the "Best 'Mpurnatu & 'Mpanata" competition
- 7:00 PM — Tennis tournament awards
- 9:00 PM — Closing with the show by "Gianvito & il Maestro"
Winners of the 2026 competition: Carmela Lo Coco ('Mpurnatu category) and Maria Rita Bella ('Mpanata category), awarded by Mayor Vito Terrana and Councilor Jenny Termini.
Highlights 'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival 2026
Prices 'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival 2026
Practical information — 'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival
Location
Events are concentrated in Piazza XX Settembre, in the center of Campobello di Licata (AG), with the exception of the vintage car rally, which follows a dedicated route.
How to get there
By car: Campobello di Licata can be reached via the SS640 (Agrigento–Caltanissetta) and the provincial roads of the Agrigento area. By train: Campobello-Ravanusa station on the line connecting the hinterland to the coast. Nearest airports: Palermo or Catania, both about a 2-hour drive away.
Admission and costs
Access to the event and performances in the square is free; tastings at the various food stalls are paid for individually.
Tips
Stalls generally open in the late afternoon and evening: arrive hungry and be prepared for queues at the most popular stands, especially during the weekend.
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Where does it take place — 'Mpurnatu and 'Mpanata Festival
Piazza XX Settembre
Piazza XX Settembre, 92023 Campobello di Licata