Insabbiata of Ispica 2026

From 15 to 19 July 2026, Ispica will host the 11th edition of Insabbiata, one of Sicily’s most original and evocative artistic events. For five days, the picturesque Piazza Sant’Antonio Abate – dominated by the 16th-century church of the same name and also known for having been the setting for the Taviani brothers’ film Kaos – is transformed into an extraordinary open-air art gallery.

The centrepiece of the event is a large artistic carpet created entirely from coloured sand, which covers the square, bringing to life images, decorations and compositions of striking visual impact. The works are conceived and created by the young members of the Insabbiata Cultural Association, a group born out of a collaboration between artists and volunteers united by a desire to promote the local area through creativity and ephemeral art.

Over the years, Insabbiata has become a symbol of summer in Ispica, attracting visitors, photographers and enthusiasts from all over Sicily. The event stands as an example of collective participation and cultural regeneration, capable of transforming an urban space into a place of encounter, sharing and wonder.

The large-scale compositions created using coloured sand interact with the square’s Baroque architecture, creating a striking contrast between contemporary art and historical heritage. The result is a visual journey that invites visitors to linger over the details and admire the craftsmanship and creativity that make each edition unique.

Ispica’s Insabbiata is an opportunity to discover the town through one of its most distinctive events, enjoying an experience that combines art, tradition and community involvement. It is an annual event that, every summer, renews the charm of an art form capable of transforming sand into a collective work of extraordinary beauty.