Villalba Siccagno Tomato and Lentil Festival

The festival of Villalba's two treasures

In the heart of Sicily, among the hills of the Caltanissetta hinterland, the town of Villalba dedicates a grand popular festival every August to the two products that have defined its farming identity for generations: the siccagno tomato and the Villalba Lentil. The Siccagno Tomato and Lentil Festival is a historic, multi-decade event—reaching its 41st edition for the tomato and 24th for the lentil in 2025—traditionally held on the second or third Sunday of August, coinciding with the feast of the patron saint, San Giuseppe.

The siccagno tomato

The siccagno tomato is a native variety grown without irrigation: the pizzutello-type plant is sown in March and grows throughout the summer, relying solely on soil moisture. The result is a fruit with an intense, concentrated flavor, rich in lycopene, vitamins, and antioxidants, which is transformed into fragrant sauces, hearty pasta dishes, fresh salads, and traditional rural recipes. The most anticipated moment of the festival is the massive spaghetti feast seasoned with siccagno tomato sauce, the true symbol of the event.

The Villalba Lentil, a Slow Food Presidium

The Villalba Lentil is an ancient legume, introduced in the 19th century by the Marquis Niccolò Palmeri and refined over time into an exclusive ecotype of the region. Recognized as a Slow Food Presidium and protected by the Lentil Producers' Association (Pro.Le.Vi.), it is prized for its distinct organoleptic qualities. During the festival, food stalls set up in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele offer the chance to taste it along with other typical Villalba products: sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas and legumes, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, and local cheeses.

Atmosphere and program

The festival days are filled with musical performances, markets, children's entertainment, and insights into the region's agricultural biodiversity. The festival intertwines with religious and popular rites in honor of San Giuseppe, featuring the traditional "Vicchiariddi" tables and San Giuseppe bread, creating an authentic atmosphere that draws visitors from all over Sicily.

A staple of the Sicilian summer

Genuine, popular, and deeply rooted in the community, the Siccagno Tomato and Lentil Festival is much more than a food fair: it is how Villalba tells its own story, showcasing its non-irrigated farming, its landscape, and its flavors. It is an ideal opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Sicilian hinterland and enjoy two agricultural gems directly from the hands of those who grow them.