September Fair and Valle del Belìce Sheep Exhibition

A century-old fair in the heart of the Valle del Belìce

The September Fair and Valle del Belìce Sheep Exhibition is one of the most cherished and historic events in the Agrigento hinterland. It takes place annually in Santa Margherita di Belice, a town in the province of Agrigento, Sicily, coinciding with the patronal feast of Saint Rosalia on September 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Often described as a "centenary" fair, it is deeply rooted in the pastoral and farming traditions of the Belìce region, attracting breeders, exhibitors, and visitors from all the surrounding towns.

The Valle del Belìce Sheep Exhibition

The core of the event is the Valle del Belìce Sheep Exhibition, a livestock show that has spent decades promoting one of the island's most prized sheep breeds—a cross between the Sicilian Pinzirita and Comisana breeds and the Sardinian breed, renowned for its high milk production. Historically set up in the Porta Nuova area, the exhibition showcases selected animals brought by local shepherds, alongside the iconic Girgentana goat with its unmistakable spiral horns. The event also features the display and sale of various livestock, agricultural machinery, and traditional farming tools passed down through generations.

Flavors: vastedda and Belìce products

The milk from the Belìce sheep is used to produce vastedda della Valle del Belìce, Italy's only stretched-curd sheep's milk cheese, which takes center stage in the fair's tastings alongside other local products. Along the streets of the center, from Via Cannitello to Via XV Gennaio, the market stalls offer Sicilian gastronomic specialties, sweets, dried fruits, and handicrafts.

The Feast of Saint Rosalia

The fair is intertwined with the celebrations in honor of Saint Rosalia, the patron saint of Santa Margherita di Belice. On September 4th, following the Eucharistic celebration at the Mother Church, the statue and relic of the Saint are carried in procession through the town streets, a moment of deep popular devotion that unites the community. A large floral panel depicting the patron saint is set up in Piazza Libertà.

Between tradition and territory

More than just a market fair, the event is a celebration of the agro-pastoral identity of the Valle del Belìce: folk music, entertainment, and the authentic atmosphere of Sicilian villages provide the backdrop for three days of festivities. For those visiting Santa Margherita di Belice, the fair is also the perfect opportunity to discover the Tomasi di Lampedusa Literary Park and the locations that inspired "The Leopard".