Salìber Fest — Salemi Book Festival

The Salemi Book Festival

Salìber Fest is the main literary event in Salemi, an ancient village in the province of Trapani overlooking the Belìce Valley in Sicily. Organized by the Liber...i cultural association and supported by the Municipality of Salemi, the festival was established in 2021 and has quickly become one of the most dynamic cultural highlights in western Sicily. Every summer, typically in July, the town's historic center comes alive with book launches, dialogues with writers, poetry readings, film screenings, art exhibitions, and live performances.

Venues and Atmosphere

The strength of Salìber Fest lies in its unique settings: events take place in some of Salemi's most evocative locations, including the Norman-Swabian Castle, the Cloister of Sant'Agostino, the Simone Corleo Municipal Library, and the Teatro del Carmine. As visitors wander through the narrow alleys of the village, they move from literary conversations to art exhibitions, and from evening film screenings to dawn performances, experiencing the festival as an immersive event woven into the urban fabric.

A Distinct Identity

Under the artistic direction of Filippo Triolo, Salìber Fest has adopted an ambitious editorial vision that avoids provincialism. Each edition revolves around a theme that bridges literature, cinema, art, and theater, fostering dialogue between established authors and emerging voices. The festival also hosts the Halyciae Literary Prize — City of Salemi, dedicated to young writers under 27, whose finalist stories are premiered on stage and compiled into an anthology.

What to Expect

• Meetings and presentations with Italian and international authors
• Poetry readings and storytelling
• Film screenings, often in collaboration with local festivals
• Art exhibitions and installations in the village's historic spaces
• Workshops for children and teenagers
• Theatrical performances and musical moments

Admission is free for most events, with reservations recommended for select sessions. Salìber Fest is a wonderful opportunity to discover Salemi and its province through culture in a welcoming and participatory atmosphere.