Parco Olive Oil Festival

New oil takes center stage in Altofonte

Every year, between late November and early December, the town of Altofonte, in the province of Palermo, celebrates its most iconic product with the Parco Olive Oil Festival, also known as "L'Olio del Parco." It is a time when the extra virgin olive oil, fresh from the mills, is shared with the community and visitors alike during a festive day that blends gastronomy, folk traditions, and historical heritage.

Where it takes place

The heart of the event is Piazza Falcone e Borsellino, in the town center. Numerous stalls are set up here, showcasing local specialties: extra virgin olive oil, regional cheeses and dairy products, and artisanal bread and focaccia. Altofonte rises on the slopes of Monte Moarda, on the edge of the Conca d'Oro—a territory historically called "Parco" because it was part of the great royal hunting reserve of the Norman King Roger II of Hauteville, from whom the festival takes its name.

What to do at the festival

• Tastings of new oil served on vastedde, the traditional local focaccia that serves as the event's true gastronomic symbol.
• Guided tours of the town's olive mills, where you can observe the olive pressing process using traditional techniques.
• Stalls featuring local products and handicrafts, with the opportunity to purchase oil and regional specialties.
• Live Sicilian folk music, which provides the soundtrack for the day and creates an authentic, convivial atmosphere.
• Heritage trails through the village, visiting churches and the Norman-era chapel to uncover the history of Altofonte.

A festival that tells the story of the land

The Parco Olive Oil Festival is much more than just a tasting event: it is an opportunity to rediscover the olive-growing culture of the province of Palermo and the identity of a Sicilian village deeply rooted in its soil. Promoted by the Altofonte Pro Loco with the support of the Municipality, the event aims to champion local producers and introduce visitors to high-quality oil, made from olives harvested between October and November and pressed within hours of picking.

The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: the festival is traditionally held on weekends between late November and early December, coinciding with the new olive oil season.