Sant'Elia Blue Fish Festival
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Local produce Sea

Sant'Elia Blue Fish Festival

The seaside village of Sant'Elia celebrates the sea with fried fish, wine, and music

Santa Flavia — Palermo (282) Since 2024
Dates 01 Sep 2026
Location Santa Flavia (282)
Prices Free
Status —

Edition 2026 not confirmed to date

This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.

About Blue Fish Festival

In the charming seaside village of Sant'Elia, part of the municipality of Santa Flavia near Palermo, the Blue Fish Festival turns the waterfront into a large open-air restaurant. Two late-summer evenings dedicated to the most authentic Mediterranean fish species, featuring crispy fried seafood, wine tastings, an artisan market, and musical performances. A popular festival that celebrates the identity and culinary traditions of the Sicilian coast.

A sea festival in the heart of Sant'Elia

The Blue Fish Festival is a food and wine event held in the seaside village of Sant'Elia, one of the smallest and most romantic hamlets in the municipality of Santa Flavia, in the province of Palermo, just twenty minutes from the Sicilian capital. Along the Lungomare di Via dei Cantieri, the small harbor comes alive for two days of flavor, tradition, and conviviality, transforming into a large open-air restaurant overlooking the sea.

Blue fish takes center stage

At the heart of the festival is blue fish, a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine and the diet of Sicilian coastal communities. Sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and other traditional fish are served in numerous recipes, primarily as crispy fried seafood paired with excellent wine. The initiative aims to spread knowledge about local fish species and promote conscious consumption of the catch, while highlighting the territory's maritime culture.

Tastings, crafts, and shows

In addition to the food stalls, the event features the "L'angolo dell'artigianato" (Artisan Corner) market, dedicated to local handmade goods, and a rich entertainment program. The evenings are accompanied by live Sicilian music and performances that animate the waterfront until late at night, in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.

  • Tastings of fried blue fish and traditional dishes
  • Wines from local wineries
  • Local artisan market
  • Live music and shows

A community event

The festival is organized by the Pro Loco Santa Flavia APS, in collaboration with local associations and with the support of the Santa Flavia municipal administration. Established in 2024, the event has quickly become one of the most anticipated late-summer gatherings on the Palermo coast, attracting visitors from all over Sicily eager to celebrate the sea, the cuisine, and the culture of a surprising territory.

Blue Fish Festival — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Sant'Elia Blue Fish Festival has not yet been officially announced. Following the first two editions, both held in September along the Lungomare di Via dei Cantieri, the event is expected to return in 2026 with blue fish tastings, crafts, and shows. Dates and the program will be announced by the Pro Loco Santa Flavia APS.

The dates for the 2026 edition of the Sant'Elia Blue Fish Festival have not yet been announced. The first two editions took place in September in the seaside village of Santa Flavia (Palermo), and the event is expected to repeat in 2026. It is recommended to follow the channels of the Pro Loco Santa Flavia APS and the Municipality of Santa Flavia to learn about the dates and program as soon as they are released.

Prices Blue Fish Festival 2026

Free admission (as in previous editions).

Practical information — Blue Fish Festival

How to get there

Sant'Elia is a coastal hamlet in the municipality of Santa Flavia (PA), about 20 minutes from Palermo. By car, it can be reached via the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Casteldaccia or Bagheria exit) and the SS113. By train, the reference station is Santa Flavia-Solanto, on the Palermo-Messina line, from which you can continue to the seaside village.

Admission and hours

Admission to the festival is free. The event generally takes place on late-summer evenings along the Lungomare di Via dei Cantieri, with stalls opening in the late afternoon and evening shows.

Tips

The village is small and very popular during the event: it is advisable to arrive early and park in the surrounding areas. Do not miss a walk along the waterfront and the view of the Sant'Elia harbor.

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Where does it take place — Blue Fish Festival

Lungomare di Via dei Cantieri, Sant'Elia

Blue Fish Festival in brief

Gastronomy Local produce Sea Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Free Palermo

History of Blue Fish Festival

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