October 30, 2026 – November 1, 2026 · Mezzojuso (PA)
Experience the Sagra della Castagna in Mezzojuso from October 30 to November 1, 2026! This vibrant festival brings together food stalls, a dedicated Chestnut Village, live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and guided excursions through the chestnut groves. The program also features fascinating visits to the Arbëreshë cultural heritage sites, a traditional costume parade with neighboring towns, the V Festival of Drums and Flag-wavers, and concerts in Piazza Umberto I, including the renowned Notte della Taranta.
📅 Friday, October 30 🦅 10:30 AM – C.da Croce, Castagneto: Witness the release of birds of prey with the C.R.FS. of Lipu di Ficuzza and the Mezzojuso Secondary School. 🎓 4:00 PM – Salone del Castello: Attend a conference titled “Mezzojuso, the Athens of the Arbëreshë.” 🎉 5:00 PM – Grand opening of the Sagra della Castagna 2026, featuring the folk group “Fiori del Mandorlo” from Agrigento and the Tamburinai di Mezzojuso. Explore the “Mastro di Campo” Carnival Museum and enjoy the “Mezzojuso Ecotour” multivision at the Municipal Castle. 🎵 10:00 PM – Piazza Umberto I: Notte della Taranta – Alla Bua in concert. 📅 Saturday, October 31 🥾 9:00 AM – Piazza Umberto I: Join a guided trekking tour through the chestnut grove (organized by Pro Loco Mezzojuso). 🍂 10:00 AM – Stands, food area, and the Chestnut Village open. 🎵 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM – Enjoy musical groups performing in themed areas. 🏛️ 10:00 AM–6:00 PM – Take part in guided tours “Visit Mezzojuso” and a free multivision show at the Municipal Castle. 📚 10:00 AM–6:00 PM – Participate in an antique book restoration workshop (reservations: 347 4531542) and visit the “L'Isola dei Pupi” puppet museum (reservations: 347 1793829). 🧒 4:00 PM – Castello comunale: Enjoy an animation show and treasure hunt for children. 👘 4:00 PM – Witness the parade of Arbëreshë costumes with participants from Piana degli Albanesi, Palazzo Adriano, Santa Cristina Gela, and Mezzojuso, followed by choirs from Palazzo Adriano and Santa Cristina Gela. 🎤 10:00 PM – Piazza Umberto I: Radio Time '90 – Il Party, a touring dance show. 📅 Sunday, November 1 🥾 9:00 AM – Piazza Umberto I: Join another guided trekking tour through the chestnut grove. 🍂 10:00 AM – Stands, food area, and the Chestnut Village open. 🏛️ 10:00 AM–6:00 PM – Guided tours, antique book workshop, and puppet museum are open (same as Saturday). 🤹 11:00 AM – Piazza Umberto I: Children's entertainment with games, face painting, mascots, stilt walkers, aerial acrobatics, and juggling. 🎵 11:00 AM – Enjoy musical groups performing in themed areas. 🥁 4:00 PM – V Festival of Drums, Musicians, and Flag-wavers: Featuring Tamburinai di Mezzojuso, Motta S. Anastasia, Civitas Nicosiae di Nicosia, Mastro di Campo di Mezzojuso, followed by the Blue Stars Street Band along the festival route.