Folk music and dance groups from several continents perform in Cefalù's old town each summer. The 2026 edition, on 18 August, brings ensembles from Colombia, Ecuador, New Zealand, Slovakia and Hungary.
Drums, costumes and dances from half the world cross the old town for an evening: every summer the festival brings international folk groups to Cefalù as part of the Cefalù Estate season. The 2026 edition, set for 18 August, features ensembles from Colombia, Ecuador, Italy, New Zealand, Slovakia and Hungary.
The 2025 line-up came from Mexico, Poland, Portugal and Serbia — the cast changes every year, and the music with it.
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📅 Every year between Fat Thursday and Shrove Tuesday
In the run-up to Lent, Cefalù fills with masks, confetti and events for children. The town hall builds the programme from proposals by local associations and parishes; the 2026 edition ran 12-17 February.
📅 Every year, 2–6 August
Cefalù's biggest week runs 2-6 August, honouring the Holy Saviour of the Norman cathedral with services, concerts and folk parades — and a greasy-pole contest over the sea to finish.
📅 Every year on the afternoon of 6 August
A long pole slicked with grease and soap juts out over the old harbour; whoever walks it and grabs the flag at the tip wins. Cefalù's greasy-pole contest closes the Feast of the Saviour every 6 August.
📅 Every year from early December to 6 January
From early December to Epiphany, Cefalù fills with nativity scenes, concerts and theatre. The Via dei Presepi along via Decano Martino and the Ninnaredda — carols played through the streets — are the highlights.
