October Dresses in Yellow

A festival that paints Sinagra's autumn yellow

October Dresses in Yellow is the literary salon that brings Sinagra to life every October. Located in the Nebrodi mountains in the province of Messina, in the heart of Sicily, this village becomes a cultural hub. The festival, conceived and promoted by the Pro Loco of Sinagra Cento Fontane with the patronage of the Municipality of Sinagra, is dedicated to crime fiction and painting—two art forms that intertwine during a series of afternoon meetings open to everyone.

Crime novels and signature canvases

The event's format pairs each literary presentation with a painting exhibition by a local artist: while the featured author discusses their crime novel with the audience, the walls of the Palazzo Salleo conference hall showcase the works of a guest painter. Over the years, the festival has brought numerous Sicilian crime writers to Sinagra, alongside a variety of watercolors, oils, and canvases that transform every evening into a complete cultural experience.

A growing tradition

Reaching its ninth edition in 2025, the festival was born around 2017 and has established itself as one of the most anticipated cultural events of the Sinagra autumn. The president of the Pro Loco, Vincenza Mola, has often emphasized that "yellow" is not just a color, but a genre capable of bringing people together and stimulating reflection. She has also announced plans to involve local schools in future editions to introduce younger generations to reading.

Where and when

The meetings are held in the conference hall of Palazzo Salleo, in the center of Sinagra, generally on selected weekend afternoons in October. Admission to the events is free, fostering an informal atmosphere that encourages direct dialogue between authors, artists, and the public. The festival is a wonderful opportunity to discover Sicilian crime literature while enjoying the hospitality of a Nebrodi town rich in history and tradition.