Summer in Scicli

Summer in Scicli, the summer program of the Baroque city

Summer in Scicli is the series of summer events promoted annually by the Municipality of Scicli, a city in the Val di Noto listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and situated in the heart of the Iblei, in the province of Ragusa, Sicily. From the beginning of July to the end of September, the program offers a widespread cultural experience that spans the Baroque historic center and the seaside villages of the municipal territory, with a schedule designed for a broad audience of residents, families, young people, and tourists.

A program spread across the territory

The strength of the event lies in its itinerant and widespread nature: appointments are distributed among the squares and alleys of Scicli's historic center, the spaces of Villa Penna and Piazza Italia, and the coastal hamlets of Donnalucata, Cava d'Aliga, Sampieri, and Playa Grande. In this way, the Scicli summer becomes a single grand setting that links the Baroque village to the sea, highlighting iconic landmarks such as Palazzo Spadaro, the Agostiniane convent, and the seaside promenades of the villages.

Concerts, theater, folklore, and culture

The program weaves together diverse genres: concerts and live music (ranging from classical to jazz, contemporary to pop), theatrical performances and family shows, folkloric displays, literary reviews with book presentations and guests, cinema under the stars, photography and art exhibitions, children's entertainment, and recreational sports initiatives. Over the years, the programming has hosted festivals such as the Incanto Barocco Festival, the Filinona Festival, the "Autori & Libri" literary review in Sampieri, and the independent MAST festival, in addition to screenings at the Donnalucata summer arena.

How the program is created

The program is built by the municipal administration through a public notice, through which local associations, organizations, and operators propose their events, which are then selected and included in the official calendar. This participatory model allows for the collection of dozens of different initiatives each year, distributing them in a balanced way throughout the three summer months and across the various areas of the Municipality of Scicli.

A summer of culture and sea in the Val di Noto

For those visiting southeastern Sicily, Summer in Scicli is an opportunity to experience the city beyond the beach season, discovering its extraordinary Baroque architecture, Iblean popular traditions, and a vibrant cultural scene. Most events are free of charge, with some initiatives requiring reservations, and they primarily take place outdoors during the summer evenings.