Agrigento Capital of Culture 2025 – August Events Calendar
- The Sicilian Wanderer
- May 8
- 10 min read
Updated: May 9
This summer, Agrigento is not just a destination — it’s a living stage of art, history, and wonder. As the Italian Capital of Culture 2025, the city and its surroundings come alive in August with a rich program of festivals, exhibitions, performances, and immersive experiences that will capture your heart.
From the majestic dawn shows at the Valley of the Temples to cutting-edge art projects like Mirror and Hospitium, from evocative music under the stars at FestiValle to thought-provoking installations scattered across the island, Agrigento offers a cultural journey like no other.
In today’s post, we’ll guide you through all the must-see events this August: where to go, what to experience, and why this is the perfect time to visit Agrigento and let yourself be swept away by its Mediterranean charm.
Get ready to explore, be inspired, and fall in love with Agrigento — the true star of the Italian cultural scene this summer! 🌞🎭✨
02/08/2025 17/08/2025 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
ALL MONTH LONG
White Nights on the Colle di Girgenti – evening openings of the tourCurated by the Archdiocese of Agrigento, Diocesan Museum, Anthos_Agrigento Oltre la Valle, Ecclesiaviva OnlusInfo: www.museodiocesanoag.it
THE PATH OF AROMASAromatherapy trails. Workshops by reservation to discover the therapeutic power of nature. Piazzale Giglia, Agrigento
May 8 to December 31
Installation
WE ARE ALL MIGRANTS
The work by Edoardo Malagigi will be a symbolic sculpture addressing the universal theme of migration.
Every Friday | 7:00 PM
LIVING DIODOROS: Fridays of Biodiversity
Exploring Stories, Flavors, and the TerritoryCasa Diodoros, Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples
07–10/08/2025
FESTIVALLE 2025
Ninth edition of the international festival of music and digital arts in the Valley of the Temples, Agrigento Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples
08–22/08/2025
Cathedral in Concert – Music Festival
Curated by the Archdiocesi of Agrigento, Diocesan Museum, Anthos_Agrigento Oltre la Valle, Ecclesiaviva Onlus
Info: www.museodiocesanoag.it
Basilica Cathedral, Agrigento
11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30 /08/2025 | 7:00–9:00
PMMIRROR
Exhibition and screening program curated by Basak Senova and Jonatan Habib Engqvist
Teatro Luigi Pirandello, Agrigento
Mid-August
HOSPITIUM
The Path of the Other. Inauguration of the site-specific installation by artist Tanja Boukal, symbolically uniting tourism and migration.
Belvedere, Island of Lampedusa
March 20 to September 20
Installation
TETRAPAK TEMPLE
Inspired by the columns of the Temple of Concordia, Edoardo Malagigi’s work will consist of three columns made from modules derived from used Tetrapak cartons. Agrigento
April 18 to September 20
Installation
END GAME
One of the central works of Edoardo Malagigi’s project, this sculpture will represent a large antimilitarist Pinocchio made of recycled plastic.Piazza Pirro Marconi, Agrigento Piazza Pirandello, Agrigento
June 5 to October 31
The Silent Room v05 by Nathalie Harb
Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples
July 5 to October 30
Art & Faith
Exhibition MARY MAGDALENE. Female Witnesses of Hope. Works on display by Guercino, Francesco Hayez, Mattia Preti, Cecco del Caravaggio, Nicolas Regnier, Andrea Vaccaro, Giovanni Portaluni. Mudia Diocesan Museum, Agrigento
July 4 to September 4
Unlearning through Palestine: PEOPLE, STONES, and TREES
Exhibition on the Collective Dictionary of Unlearning, the result of the Summer School.Palazzo Tomasi, Agrigento.
From January to December
The Awakening of the Gods
A dawn performance. A site-specific theatrical production, immersive and experiential, that takes place along the Via Sacra of the Valley of the Temples.
Exhibitions – Culture, Landscape, Community
International Festival S.U.D. – A creative laboratory on the cultural and social currents of the South.Curated by the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples and Savatteri Produzioni
Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples
From January to November
The Places of CultureAGRIGENTO_Beyond the Valley. The Art & Faith routesInfo: www.museodiocesanoag.it Cathedral (Towers, Sarcophagus Room, Crypt, City View, Diocesan Museum of Agrigento, Church of Santa Maria dei Greci)
From January to December
Educational and Cultural Theater
Varanasi. A Journey into the Infinite. New Cities, built from scratch: Astana, Forest City, Nusantara, Songdo, and The Line.Curated by the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage of Agrigento, Farm Cultural Park, in collaboration with the Municipality of Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples Park, and the Municipality of Aragona.
Villa Genuardi, Agrigento; Former Auditorium, Aragona
From February to November
Mobility and (Up)rootedness – A program of events exploring the theme of migration and identity.
Curated by the Department of Culture and Society Territorial University Hub of Agrigento
From March to December
Opera in Theater 2025
Curated by the Department of Culture and Society
Territorial University Hub of Agrigento
From June to September
Agrigento City Theater – Traveling performances animating the historic squares.Curated by Teatro Luigi Pirandello
Teatro Luigi Pirandello, Agrigento
June 27 to August 29
FAI Summer Evenings – Out of the Cellar
June 18 to September 30
Photography Exhibition
San Calogero. Faces of the Festival
Curated by the Archdiocese of Agrigento, Basilica of the Immaculate, Ecclesiaviva OnlusConventino Chiaramontano, Basilica of the Immaculate
From June to October
ADI Design and Art & Index
An exhibition exploring the relationship between innovation and cultural heritage.
Curated by the Territorial University Hub of Agrigento and ADI – Italian Association for Industrial Design
From June to December
Theatrical Tours at Teatro Pirandello
A journey through the history of the theater with actors portraying legendary characters.
Curated by Teatro Luigi Pirandello
Every summer Friday at the Kolymbethra Garden, you can embark on a food and wine journey through fine wines and wine cultures from selected wineries in the province and the region.Curated by FAI – Italian Environmental Fund
From January to December
Exhibition
Secret Agrigento. Ancient RootsCurated by the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples
Police Headquarters Barracks, Agrigento
May 2 to November 29
Dynamic Exhibition on Patrons and Protectors
Communities and Identity. The province tells its storyMAB – Museum_Archive_LibraryCurated by the Archdiocese of Agrigento, Diocesan Museum, Archive and Library, Italian Episcopal Conference, Brotherhoods and Committees
Info: www.museodiocesanoag.it
Kolymbethra Garden
June 27 to September 1
FAI Summer Evenings
From June to September, experience FAI heritage sites late into the evening with sunset showcases and literary aperitifs
Curated by FAI – Italian Environmental Fund
Kolymbethra Garden
From June to December
Cultural Gardens – Evening events of music, art, and nature.
Curated by Teatro Luigi Pirandello, Agrigento
IN-DEPTH FEATUREDISCOVER THE PLACE
Civic Museum Convent of Santo Spirito
The Civic Museum Convent of Santo Spirito in Agrigento is housed in a 14th-century convent, a remarkable example of medieval architecture in Sicily. Inside, it holds a rich collection of artworks, ranging from the medieval period to modern times, with a particular focus on Sicilian painting and sculpture.
The museum also hosts temporary and cultural exhibitions, making it a vital cultural hub for both locals and visitors who wish to deepen their understanding of Agrigento’s artistic and historical heritage.
IN-DEPTH FEATURE
MEET THE CURATORS
Basak Senova and Jonatan Habib Engqvist
Basak Senova is a curator and designer (with an MFA in Graphic Design and a PhD in Art, Design, and Architecture) who has been writing about art, technology, and media since 1995. She initiates and develops projects and curates exhibitions worldwide. From 2020 to 2022, she directed the Octopus Program, a research-based educational platform, as a visiting professor at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. Currently, she holds a senior postdoctoral research position at the same institution with her project PEEK, The Atlas (of Creative Mechanisms): [Curating-Conducting].
Senova has curated the Turkish and North Macedonian pavilions at the Venice Biennale in 2009 and 2015. She has also curated major projects such as UNCOVERED (Cyprus, 2011–2013); the 2nd and 5th D-0 ARK Underground Biennales (Bosnia-Herzegovina, 2013, 2019); the Helsinki Photography Biennial and Jerusalem Show VII: Fractures (2014); Lines of Passage (Lesbos, 2016); and the inaugural B7L9 exhibition in Tunis (2019). She chaired the SIGGRAPH 2014 Art Gallery (Vancouver) and led the CrossSections project, curating exhibitions across Europe (2017–2019). She concluded the Octopus Program in 2022 with exhibitions in Tunis and Vienna and has continued to curate shows in Tbilisi, Palermo, Berlin, Pretoria, and Istanbul.
Jonatan Habib Engqvist is a curator, author, and occasional educator. He is co-editor of Ord&Bild, and curates experimental projects and exhibitions across four continents, including international biennials and festivals such as Art D-0 ARK Underground, the VR Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale, Cycle Music & Art Festival (Berlin/Reykjavík), Survival Kit Riga, Sinopale in Turkey, Momentum Biennial in Moss, Norway, and the Reykjavík Arts Festival.
He was the founding director of the Curatorial Residency in Stockholm, director of visual arts at Iaspis, curator at the Moderna Museet, and has worked at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm. His writings have been widely published in various languages in books and catalogs around the world.
IN-DEPTH FEATUREEXPLORE THE PROJECT
Hospitium
The Hospitium project by Austrian artist Tanja Boukal examines the complex relationship between individuals, society, and the environment, with a focus on the island of Lampedusa. Drawing on the ancient Greek-Roman concept of hospitality (Hospitium) — which emphasizes the sacred connection between guest and host — the project explores how the island has transformed over the past decade.
Boukal works closely with contemporary art curator Tina Teufel, who acts as a specialized consultant, to create site-specific artworks inspired by local stories and lived experiences. Additionally, Jakob Brossmann, director of the documentary Lampedusa in Winter, has joined the project to examine how the island has evolved since his 2013 film, which captured a pivotal moment in its history.
Thanks to a series of scheduled residencies between 2024 and 2025, Boukal engages in authentic dialogue with the community, gaining a privileged perspective on daily life and island dynamics. The insights gathered during these experiences feed into the creation of artworks and artistic activities centered on the project’s key themes: Hospitium and Xenia, concepts that embody the value of welcome and the mutual obligations between guest and host.
As a central element of her research process, the artist documents her journey in a blog, recording personal reflections, collected materials, and ideas that will shape the next phases of the project.
Through this approach, Tanja Boukal’s Hospitium explores the transformation of Lampedusa both as a gateway of migration and as a tourist destination, using art and closely connected local narratives to examine social dynamics and revive the ancient notion of hospitality.
IN-DEPTH FEATURE
EXPLORE THE PROJECT
Mirror
Mirror is a visionary project, curated by Basak Senova and Jonatan Engqvist, that weaves together art, storytelling, and landscape through the lens of internationally renowned artists. Hosted at the Teatro Luigi Pirandello in Agrigento, this extraordinary experimental exhibition blends cinema, photography, and performance, inviting the audience to step onto the stage and experience a unique immersive journey — a show with the duration and structure of an opera, composed of visual and auditory acts.
A book, narrated from the perspective of the cat “Surfaro”, will tell the story of Agrigento through artistic reflections and dialogues gathered during the event. But the journey doesn’t end there: Mirror will then travel across Europe, sharing its creative fragments with prestigious international institutions.
This is truly a poetic voyage through culture, water, and Mediterranean identity — a project that not only showcases Agrigento’s soul but also connects it to the broader artistic and cultural currents of the continent.
IN-DEPTH FEATUREEXPLORE THE PROJECT
FestiValle
From sunset to sunrise, among centuries-old olive trees and majestic Doric temples, FestiValle transforms the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento into a one-of-a-kind stage. Legendary performers and rising stars from the international jazz and contemporary music scene take the spotlight in extraordinary settings like the Temple of Concordia at dawn, the sunset shows at the Temple of the Dioscuri, and the magical Tufo Quarry.
FestiValle is more than just a music festival — it’s a multi-sensory experience that blends artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural heritage enhancement.
Now in its ninth edition, FestiValle continues to promote Sicily as a cultural hub for music and contemporary art, while also educating new generations about unconventional soundscapes.
An unmissable event in summer 2025, where music, breathtaking landscapes, and history come together to create truly unforgettable moments.
🎷 FestiValle 2025 Overview
Dates: 7–10 August 2025
Location: Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily
Highlights:
Performances at iconic sites like the Temple of Concordia at dawn and Cava di Tufo – Teatro dell’Efebo
A blend of jazz, soul, funk, and electronic music
Immersive experiences combining music with the historic landscapePinterest+11AllEvents+11Songkick+11Bandsintown+1La Valle dei Templi+1Songkick+1Trip.com+1
🎟️ Tickets & Pricing
Full 4-Day Pass: €105
Daily Passes: Starting from €28.76
Children (6–12 years): €10
Children under 6: FreeDice+1expedia+1
Note: Tickets are available through official channels, but some options may be sold out.
🏨 Accommodation Options
Here are some recommended places to stay:
Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Villa Athena Resort: A 5-star hotel located within the Valley of the Temples, offering stunning views and top-tier amenities.
Baia di Ulisse Wellness & SPA: Located by the sea, this hotel combines comfort with wellness facilities.
Mid-Range Options
Foresteria Baglio Della Luna: A charming hotel set in a historic building, offering a blend of tradition and comfort.
Colleverde Park Hotel: Situated near the Valley of the Temples, this hotel provides easy access to the festival venues.
Budget-Friendly Choices
B&B Armonia: Located in Agrigento's historic center, offering cozy accommodations.
Villa Amico: Situated in San Leone, close to the beach and a short drive from the festival sites. festivalle.it
Tip: Book early to secure the best rates and availability.
🍽️ Dining Recommendations
Experience the local cuisine at these establishments:
La Terrazza degli Dei: Offers panoramic views of the Valley and a menu featuring Sicilian specialties.
Ristorante Hostaria del Vicolo: Known for its traditional dishes and intimate atmosphere.
Ginger-people&food: A modern eatery focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
🚗 Getting There & Around
By Air: The nearest airport is Comiso Airport (CIY), approximately 120 km away. Alternatively, Palermo Airport (PMO) is about 170 km from Agrigento.
By Train: Regular train services connect Agrigento with major Sicilian cities.
Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are available, but renting a car can provide more flexibility, especially for exploring surrounding areas.
🌅 Additional Activities
While in Agrigento, consider:
Exploring the Valley of the Temples: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring well-preserved ancient Greek temples.Trip.com+1Alamy+1
Visiting the Scala dei Turchi: A stunning white limestone cliff by the sea, perfect for a day trip.
Discovering the historic center: Wander through Agrigento's old town, with its narrow streets, churches, and local shops.
🌄 Discover the Authentic Heart of Sicily with Sicanians.com
Embark on a journey beyond the usual tourist paths and immerse yourself in the true essence of Sicily. Sicanians.com offers unique experiences in the enchanting Sicani Mountains, where nature, tradition, and culture come together to create unforgettable memories.
🌿 Why Choose Sicanians.com?
Authentic ExperiencesJoin activities that reflect the real Sicilian lifestyle, from traditional cooking classes to cultural festivals.
Breathtaking LandscapesExplore the unspoiled beauty of the Sicani Mountains, with rolling hills, ancient forests, and picturesque villages.
Cultural ImmersionConnect with local communities and discover their rich history, customs, and traditions.
Sustainable TourismSupport eco-friendly travel and help preserve Sicily’s natural and cultural heritage.
🎉 Featured Experiences
Culinary AdventuresLearn to prepare authentic Sicilian dishes with local chefs and savor the incredible flavors of the region.
Historical ToursStep back in time as you visit ancient sites and uncover the fascinating stories of Sicily’s past.
Nature ExcursionsHike scenic trails, explore hidden caves, and experience the diverse flora and fauna of the Sicani Mountains.
Festivals and EventsCelebrate local traditions and feel the vibrant pulse of Sicilian culture.
🛒 Plan Your Adventure Today
Ready to experience Sicily like never before? Head over to Sicanians.com and discover a world of authentic, unforgettable journeys.
Don’t just visit Sicily — live it with Sicanians! 🌿✨
Comments