San Martino Festival (Etna Barrel Palio)

The Etna Autumn Festival

The San Martino Festival in Linguaglossa, in the province of Catania, is one of the most cherished autumn events on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. It is traditionally held in November, near St. Martin's Day (November 11th), when, according to local tradition, "every must becomes wine." It is the perfect time to taste new wine and celebrate the harvest. The village, nestled at an altitude of about 550 meters within Etna Park, transforms into a vibrant hub of flavors, aromas, and traditions.

The Etna Barrel Palio

The heart of the event is the Etna Barrel Palio, organized by the Pro Loco of Linguaglossa. Along the historic streets, particularly Via Umberto, teams of pushers compete by manually rolling heavy wine barrels from local wineries through an obstacle course. It is a spectacular and fun-filled race that highlights Etna's wineries and draws crowds of curious onlookers and supporters in a spirit of friendly local rivalry.

The Gastronomic Village

Surrounding the Palio is a rich gastronomic village featuring typical cold-weather specialties of the Etna region. Must-try items include:

• Polenta with sausage, the festival's signature dish
• Roasted chestnuts, gathered from the forests of Mount Etna
• Mulled wine, perfect for warming up on autumn evenings
• New wine and fine Etna wines, the stars of the tastings

Wine, Culture, and Territory

The festival goes beyond food: recent editions have included cultural sessions dedicated to viticulture, such as the conference "Etna, a territory of excellent wine," hosted by the Regional Enoteca, showcasing the deep bond between Linguaglossa and local winemaking. The event also coincides with the Cantine Aperte a San Martino, an autumn initiative by the Wine Tourism Movement that opens many local wineries for tours and tastings.

A Village to Discover

Linguaglossa is the gateway to the northeastern side of Mount Etna and a renowned tourist destination for both summer and winter. The San Martino Festival is the perfect opportunity to explore its historic center, baroque churches, and the wine culture of one of Sicily's most fascinating wine-growing regions.