The Village of Wishes

A night of stars and wishes

The Village of Wishes is a national initiative promoted by the I Borghi più belli d'Italia association. On the night of St. Lawrence (August 10th), it invites residents and visitors to make a wish as the sky lights up with the traditional meteor shower. Among the over one hundred participating villages across the peninsula is Castiglione di Sicilia, in the province of Catania, which opens its historic center from sunset until the first light of dawn.

How it works

During the evening, in a symbolic spot in the village—a well, a fountain, a secret garden, or a hidden corner—participants can write down their wish and leave it there, entrusting it to the stars. The atmosphere is that of a suspended, intimate summer night, as the town's cobblestone streets fill with people gazing at the sky. The initiative is also linked to a national contest that involves the network's villages every year.

Castiglione di Sicilia, a jewel between Etna and Alcantara

Included in the I Borghi più belli d'Italia circuit, the town of Castiglione di Sicilia stands in a panoramic position between the Etna volcano and the Alcantara river, in the heart of eastern Sicily. The village is a maze of narrow, winding alleys, ancient architecture, churches, noble palaces, and the imposing castle that dominates the town. All around, century-old vineyards stretch out, producing some of the finest Etna wines. The natural setting, with the striking Alcantara Gorges just a few kilometers away, makes St. Lawrence's Night here particularly evocative.

A village to experience in summer

The Village of Wishes event is part of the rich summer calendar of Castiglione di Sicilia, which offers musical evenings, performances, Etna wine tastings, and cultural initiatives throughout the squares and alleys of the historic center in August. Visiting the village on St. Lawrence's Night means combining the magic of falling stars with the charm of one of Sicily's most evocative locations.

Information

The event is free to attend and takes place in the public spaces of the historic center. It is recommended to check the detailed program and confirm the date with the Municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia and on the channels of the I Borghi più belli d'Italia association.