Vicari Fest

Vicari Fest, the village that lights up in December

Founded in 2024, Vicari Fest is an early December event dedicated to celebrating and promoting the gastronomic and cultural excellence of Sicily. The festival takes place in Vicari, a charming medieval village perched in the Palermo hinterland, overlooked by the ruins of an Arab-Norman castle and surrounded by the rolling hills of the western Madonie. For an entire weekend, the town's historic center transforms into a sprawling village, stretching from Via Principe Umberto I to the central Piazza Paolo Borsellino.

Flavors and cooking shows

The heart of the festival is the area dedicated to Sicilian street food, featuring food stalls, local specialties, and tastings that showcase the cuisine of the hinterland. Complementing the flavors are cooking shows and talk shows with industry experts: in previous editions, the stage has hosted contestants from the television program MasterChef, such as Luciano Di Marco and Azzurra D'Arpa, who performed live cooking demonstrations.

Performances and big-name guests

The evenings at Vicari Fest are marked by music and entertainment in Piazza Paolo Borsellino. The inaugural edition brought well-known names from the Sicilian and national entertainment scene to Vicari: a DJ set by Giorgio Prezioso from Radio Deejay for a night of dance music, and comedy by Sasà Salvaggio. Alongside concerts and DJ sets, the program features street performers, shows, and roaming entertainment that engage the public throughout the village alleys.

A Christmas for families

Vicari Fest has a strong family focus. In the heart of the town, you will find Santa's house, workshops, Christmas markets, and numerous entertainment activities for children, making the event a celebration for all ages. The village opens in the late afternoon, when the village lights up and the festive atmosphere takes over.

Vicari and its surroundings

Visiting Vicari Fest is also an opportunity to discover one of the most characteristic villages in the province of Palermo, Sicily. With its castle, historic churches, and panoramic views of the hinterland, Vicari is one of the most evocative destinations in the area, far from the beaten tourist path. The event, which offers free admission, is promoted with the involvement of the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Vicari, in collaboration with local associations.