Palpitare di Nessi Festival
Four days of culture, theatre, and civic engagement between Palermo and Trappeto, inspired by the legacy of Danilo Dolci
About Palpitare di Nessi
A festival in the spirit of Danilo Dolci
The Palpitare di Nessi Festival was created to keep the legacy of Danilo Dolci (1924-1997) alive and relevant. Known as the "Gandhi of Sicily," Dolci was an educator, sociologist, and nonviolence activist who chose to live and work alongside the poorest communities in Trappeto, a small coastal town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo. Organized by the Danilo Dolci Creative Development Center, the festival takes place between the capital city of Palermo and the Danilo Dolci Dialogue Village in Trappeto, the beating heart of the event.
Culture, art, and civic commitment
For four days, the festival features a rotating program of theatrical performances, concerts, film screenings, photography exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, and meetings, providing a platform for national and international artists, intellectuals, magistrates, and educators. The common thread is the enduring relevance of Dolci's philosophy: reciprocal maieutics, grassroots participation, territorial self-determination, and the collective construction of peace and social justice.
A tribute to nonviolent commitment
In recent editions, the festival has awarded a prize to an individual who has distinguished themselves in the defense of human rights and the promotion of peace and nonviolence, strengthening the bond between Danilo Dolci's memory and contemporary civic engagement.
A key event for Sicily
Between the seaside village of Trappeto and the cultural spaces of Palermo, Palpitare di Nessi has established itself as one of the most significant events in the cultural summer of the Palermo province: a meeting place where culture, historical memory, and social commitment merge. Most events at the Danilo Dolci Village are free to attend, reflecting the participatory and inclusive nature of the project.
Palpitare di Nessi — edition 2026
2026 Edition — Legality and Disobedience
The third edition of the Palpitare di Nessi Festival takes place from June 25th to 28th, 2026, with the opening day in Palermo and the core of the event from June 26th to 28th at the Danilo Dolci Dialogue Village in Trappeto. This year's theme is "Legality and Disobedience".
Highly anticipated events include theatre by Davide Enia, a concert at the Scarlatti Conservatory dedicated to the centenary of the birth of composer Eliodoro Sollima with the Chamber Orchestra, the play "L'ultima estate" (The Last Summer) dedicated to judges Falcone and Borsellino, photography exhibitions by Giulio Di Meo, and panel discussions with independent publishers such as Sellerio, Mesogea, and AltraEconomia.
Announced guests include magistrate Franca Imbergamo (National Anti-Mafia Directorate), trade unionist Gianna Fracassi, and Ettore De Conciliis, alongside maieutic practice workshops in collaboration with INDIRE and celebrations for the 25th anniversary of CESIE. The first edition's prize is awarded to Mimmo Lucano, former mayor of Riace. Most events at the Village are free to attend.
Programme Palpitare di Nessi 2026
2026 Program (Summary)
- Thursday, June 25th — Palermo: Conference on legality and disobedience; concert at the Scarlatti Conservatory for the Eliodoro Sollima centenary with the Chamber Orchestra; theatre by Davide Enia.
- Friday, June 26th — Danilo Dolci Village, Trappeto: Photography exhibitions by Giulio Di Meo ("Resistant Sicily"); panel discussions with independent publishers (Sellerio, Mesogea, AltraEconomia); maieutic practice workshops with INDIRE; presentation of the festival prize to Mimmo Lucano.
- Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th — Danilo Dolci Village: Continued performances, meetings, and debates; theatrical play "L'ultima estate" about Falcone and Borsellino; speeches by magistrate Franca Imbergamo and trade unionist Gianna Fracassi; celebrations for the 25th anniversary of CESIE.
Highlights Palpitare di Nessi 2026
- 2026 Theme: "Legality and Disobedience"
- Theatre by Davide Enia
- Concert for the Eliodoro Sollima centenary at the Scarlatti Conservatory
- Photography exhibitions by Giulio Di Meo ("Resistant Sicily")
- Play "L'ultima estate" about Falcone and Borsellino
- Festival prize awarded to Mimmo Lucano
Prices Palpitare di Nessi 2026
Practical information — Palpitare di Nessi
Location
Events are held in Palermo (opening day) and at the Danilo Dolci Dialogue Village in Trappeto (PA), a seaside village in the Metropolitan City of Palermo.
Getting there
Trappeto can be reached via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway (Trappeto/Balestrate exit), approximately 40 km from Palermo along the Tyrrhenian coast. The local train station is Trappeto, located on the Palermo-Trapani line.
Admission
Most events at the Danilo Dolci Village are free. For some performances, reservations or ticket purchases may be required through the channels indicated by the organizers.
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Where does it take place — Palpitare di Nessi
Borgo di Dialogo Danilo Dolci