TipicuèArte — Partanna Red Onion Festival

A celebration of the cipudda partannisa

Every July, the town of Partanna, in the heart of the Belice Valley in the province of Trapani, dedicates a festival to its most famous agricultural product: the Partanna red onion, known in the local dialect as cipudda partannisa. This native variety is prized for its sweet, delicate flavor, fleshy texture, and remarkable size, with some bulbs weighing nearly a kilogram. The event, part of the larger TipicuèArte festival, combines the art, music, colors, and flavors of Western Sicily.

Gastronomy and tradition

During the festival, the red onion is showcased in countless ways by local chefs: caramelized, grilled, sweet and sour, stuffed, in pasta dishes, or simply served raw with olive oil and salt. The event also features traditional Belice specialties such as sausage arancini and fried anelletti, paired with local wine. Tastings take place along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main street connecting Piazza Falcone e Borsellino to Castello Grifeo.

Art, music, and the White Night

The festival atmosphere is that of a grand village celebration: live music, folk dancing, entertainment, and a spectacular White Night with shops open late and craft stalls lining the street. There is plenty of entertainment for children, while the entire historic center transforms into an open-air stage.

Castello Grifeo and the heritage of Partanna

The event is also a perfect opportunity to discover the town's historical heritage. During the festival, guided tours of Castello Grifeo are organized. This imposing fortress dominates the town and houses the Archaeological Museum, which chronicles the history of the Belice Valley from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

A highlight of Western Sicily

Organized by the Belice Valle Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Partanna, the Red Onion Festival has become one of the most anticipated summer events in the Belice region, drawing visitors from across the province of Trapani and all of Sicily. It is a wonderful chance to savor local products, learn about folk traditions, and experience the warm hospitality of an inland Sicilian village.