Sirene Festival

Sirene Festival, a beacon for sexual and reproductive rights in Palermo

The Sirene Festival is one of the most original cultural events in the Palermo landscape: a festival entirely dedicated to sexual health and well-being, bodies, and reproductive rights. Conceived and organized by the Maghweb association, it stems from the experience of the permanent project "Non è un veleno", which has been active in Sicily for years, providing listening services, free consultations, and training on sexual and affective education. The festival is held in Palermo, the capital of the Sicilian Region, and has found its home at the EPYC - European Palermo Youth Center on Via Pignatelli Aragona, in the heart of the historic center.

A space to dismantle binaries

Sirene is designed as a collective experience where, in the words of the organizers, "labels melt away, binaries are dismantled, and judgment is silenced to make room for listening and sharing." The festival revolves around three pillars: rediscovering sexuality as a right, self-determination as a daily practice, and consent as a common language. The setting is a Sicily where access to sexual and affective education and reproductive health services often remains lacking: the festival attempts to fill this void with a feminist, intersectional approach that is attentive to LGBTQ+ individuals.

A multidisciplinary program

Each edition weaves together different formats: talks and debates with activists, health professionals, and experts; workshops and practical labs (from self-exploration to intimate health); theatrical and artistic performances; exhibitions; information corners with testing and screening opportunities; and musical live sets in the evenings. A network of local associations and collectives committed to feminism, health, and rights revolves around the festival.

How to participate

All Sirene Festival events are free to attend, accessible with an Arci membership card. Workshops have limited capacity and require on-site registration at the Sirene Corner, with a maximum of two labs per person per day. The EPYC is located at Via Pignatelli Aragona 42 in Palermo, in a central, easily accessible location.