National Conference and Gathering of the Sicilian Mastiff (Cane di Mannara)

The 2025 edition

The second national edition was held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Santa Cristina Gela, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, promoted by the specialized association Samannara. The conference, opened in the morning, brought together prominent speakers: Laura Cappugi, director of the regional center for the inventory of assets of the Sicily Region, archaeologist Camillo Palmeri, Professor Luigi Liotta from the University of Messina and president of Samannara, and veterinary ophthalmologist Claudia Marchello, who spoke on responsible breeding.

In the afternoon, from 3:00 PM, the national breed gathering took place, evaluated by expert ENCI judge Riccardo di Carlo, featuring Sicilian Mastiff ambassadors. The day reaffirmed the value of the Cane di Mannara as a symbol of loyalty, strength, and Sicilian identity.

Morning, from 10:00 AM — Conference with speeches on the history, zootechnics, and prospects of the breed (speakers: Laura Cappugi, Camillo Palmeri, Luigi Liotta, Claudia Marchello).

Afternoon, from 3:00 PM — National breed gathering of the Sicilian Mastiff, ENCI judge Riccardo di Carlo.

• Second national edition dedicated to the Sicilian Mastiff (Cane di Mannara)
• Conference with university professors, veterinarians, and officials of the Sicily Region
• National breed gathering with expert ENCI judge
• Breed recognized as the eighteenth Italian dog breed and Sicilian intangible heritage