Un Macello di Libri

A literary festival in the heart of Paternò

Un Macello di Libri is a literary festival held in the town of Paternò, in the province of Catania, Sicily. The meetings take place inside the monumental Ex Macello complex on Via Fonte Maimonide: a historic building that has been restored and revitalized as a cultural space. The event features a series of book presentations where Sicilian writers engage with readers, sharing their work and creative journeys.

A cultural regeneration project

The festival was born from the Coltiviamo Bellezza project, an initiative focused on the physical redevelopment and cultural revitalization of the Ex Macello area. The event is organized by the Presidio Partecipativo del Patto di Fiume Simeto and the Circolo Letterario Pennagramma, in collaboration with the Cittàviva association and the Gulisano bookstore, with the patronage of the Municipality of Paternò. The goal is twofold: to showcase a symbolic landmark of the city and to provide a platform for the region's rich literary output.

Sicilian authors in the spotlight

The common thread of the festival is contemporary Sicilian literature: each event is dedicated to an author from the region, often associated with the Pennagramma Circle, who presents a new publication. Novels, poetry, non-fiction, children's books, and popular science alternate in the program, offering the public a broad look at the island's literary voices.

• Afternoon meetings featuring presentations and author dialogues
• Space dedicated to writers from the Etna region and Sicily
• Evocative setting in the restored Ex Macello complex
• Free admission to all events

A community gathering

More than just a series of presentations, Un Macello di Libri has become a landmark for the cultural life of Paternò and the Simeto valley. The meetings are designed as opportunities for discussion and participation, where the public is invited to engage with authors in an informal and welcoming atmosphere, helping to make the Ex Macello a place of shared culture.