Termini Book Festival

The Termini Book Festival

The Termini Book Festival is one of the most vibrant literary gatherings in Western Sicily. Every September, it transforms Termini Imerese (Metropolitan City of Palermo) into a crossroads of books, ideas, and cultural dialogue. Founded in 2020 by local writer Giorgio Lupo, who serves as its creator and artistic director, the festival is organized by the Termini Book Festival Association and has quickly established itself as a key player in the island's literary scene.

Crime, Narrative, and Social Commitment

The festival's hallmark is the intersection of crime, thriller, and noir fiction with prominent contemporary Italian literature. The stage hosts both established authors and emerging voices in open dialogue with the public, creating a balance designed to highlight new talent. Alongside book presentations, the festival always reserves significant space for social commitment, with meetings dedicated to current affairs, human rights, and legality.

The "Cosimo Cristina" Prize

The heart of the Termini Book Festival is the "Cosimo Cristina" Literary Prize, named after the local journalist murdered by the Mafia. The competition awards the best unpublished crime, thriller, or noir short story: the winning entry is published as an appendix in the prestigious Il Giallo Mondadori series, a historic partner of the festival. The announcement of the winners traditionally concludes the final day of the event.

Program and Atmosphere

The event spans three days in September, featuring presentations, round tables, artistic collaborations, performances, and book signings. Admission is free, subject to availability. Over the years, the festival has found a home in the city's most evocative locations, including Villa Niccolò Palmeri, which provides the backdrop for outdoor meetings in the heart of Termini Imerese.

Termini Imerese, a City of Culture

Overlooking the Gulf of Termini, east of Palermo, Termini Imerese boasts a millennial history, from its Roman-era thermal baths to its rich historic center. The festival serves as an opportunity to rediscover the city through literature, offering residents and visitors to Sicily three days of accessible, high-quality culture.