Introduction
Trapani, with its salt ponds and the tradition of the mattanza, tells the story of an ancient Mediterranean.
The area boasts 4 protected-designation products and 3 dishes of the local tradition and 1 UNESCO heritage sites.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in Trapani e Sale:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Trapani e Sale:
Cous Cous Fest
Fine settembreSan Vito Lo Capo · Nato 1997
Festival internazionale del cous cous.
Processione dei Misteri
Venerdì-Sabato SantoTrapani · 400+ anni
20 gruppi scultorei sfilano per 24 ore.
Stragusto
LuglioTrapani
Street food nella Piazza ex Mercato del Pesce.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Trapani e Sale represent the excellence of the area:
A Phoenician tradition spanning 3,000 years, harvested manually in the salt ponds.
Italy's oldest DOC wine (since 1969), a fortified wine.
Durum wheat bread made with Tumminìa grain, baked in a wood-fired oven.
Table and oil olive variety from the Belice Valley.
What to eat in Trapani e Sale
A dish with Arab influences featuring fish broth, the iconic symbol of San Vito Lo Capo.
Handmade pasta with tomato pesto, almonds, and basil.
Fried ravioli filled with ricotta, sugar, and chocolate.
Traditions & Culture
Twenty sculptural groups parade for over 24 hours during Holy Week.
A medieval reenactment in Erice featuring costumed processions and duels.
UNESCO Heritage
Traditional agricultural practice of vine cultivation in Pantelleria.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
The last example of manually harvested salt ponds in Italy.
Unspoiled coastline between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Trapani e Sale are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
San Vito Lo Capo
Organizzano il Cous Cous Fest dal 1997, festival internazionale che celebra il piatto simbolo dell'incontro tra Sicilia e Nord Africa.
Trapani
Da oltre 400 anni custodiscono la Processione dei Misteri, con 20 gruppi scultorei che sfilano per 24 ore durante la Settimana Santa.
Castelvetrano
Promuovono il Pane Nero Presidio Slow Food, sfornato nei forni a legna con grano duro Tumminìa, e il parco di Selinunte.
Curiosities
“The salt ponds of Trapani and Paceco represent the last example of manually harvested salt ponds in Italy.”
“Selinunte is Europe's largest archaeological park, spanning 270 hectares.”
“Erice is home to the Ettore Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What DOP and IGP products can be found in Trapani and Sale?expand_more
Trapani and Sale are home to 4 protected designation products, including: Sale Marino di Trapani (IGP), Marsala (DOC), Pane Nero di Castelvetrano (Slow Food Presidium), and Oliva Nocellara del Belice (DOP).
2What should you eat in Trapani and Sale?expand_more
Signature dishes from Trapani and Sale include: Cous cous alla trapanese, Busiata al pesto trapanese, and Cassatella di Calatafimi. Each dish tells the story of the region's gastronomic heritage.
3What UNESCO World Heritage sites are in Trapani and Sale?expand_more
Trapani and Sale are home to 1 UNESCO heritage site: the Traditional Alberello Training System in Pantelleria (Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2014).
4What are the most famous festivals in Trapani and Sale?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in Trapani and Sale are: Cous Cous Fest (San Vito Lo Capo, late September); Processione dei Misteri (Trapani, Good Friday-Holy Saturday); Stragusto (Trapani, July).
5What natural parks are in Trapani and Sale?expand_more
Protected natural areas in Trapani and Sale include: Riserva Saline di Trapani e Paceco (Nature Reserve) and Riserva dello Zingaro (Nature Reserve).
6Who organizes the festivals in Trapani and Sale?expand_more
Festivals in Trapani and Sale are organized by local communities such as Pro Loco San Vito Lo Capo, Confraternita dei Misteri, and Pro Loco Castelvetrano. These Pro Loco associations and local organizations are the guardians of the region's gastronomic traditions.