Catania, Sicily · Since 2005

Sicily
meets
the world.

An international festival dedicated to traditional music, world music and the encounter between cultures.

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01 / About the festival

Born in Sicily.
Open to the world.

Founded in Catania, Sicily, in 2005, Marranzano World Fest is an international festival dedicated to traditional music, world music and the encounter between cultures.

Inspired by the marranzano (Jew’s harp), an instrument deeply rooted in Sicilian tradition yet found across the world, the festival celebrates music as a universal language of dialogue, exchange and cultural diversity.

Bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, traditional musicians, researchers and instrument makers, MWF creates a vibrant meeting point between past and future, local heritage and global sounds, tradition and innovation.

Its programme combines concerts, workshops, exhibitions, conferences and performances, fostering artistic collaboration, intercultural exchange and the transmission of musical knowledge across generations.

Artists and musical traditions at Marranzano World Fest

Sicilian musician at Marranzano World Fest

20Years of cultural encounters

43Countries

6Continents

800+Festival participants

86Concerts

118Workshops

9Exhibitions

41+Talks and cultural events

Colourful live music at Marranzano World Fest

02 / Tradition and innovation

Tradition
is a living
conversation.

Professional performers share stages and knowledge with traditional singers, rural musicians, young artists and instrument makers. The festival safeguards oral musical heritage by keeping it alive, evolving and shared.

03 / Artists & encounters

The festival
in motion.

Across its editions, the festival has welcomed Oumou Sangaré, Seun Kuti, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Sainkho Namtchylak, Glen Velez, Alfio Antico and many more. Artists from Sicily and across the world meet on the same stage.