UMPAF - Ustica Mediterranean Performing Arts Festival 2027

UMPAF - Ustica Mediterranean Performing Arts Festival is a new international performing arts festival held on the island of Ustica, a small volcanic island and marine protected area off the coast of Palermo, Sicily. The first edition took place from 28 to 30 August 2026; the second edition will take place from 28 to 30 August 2027.

The festival is co-organised by Elpis Culture (Palermo), R-Evolución (Barcelona) and Pro Loco Ustica APS. It brings theatre, dance, music and performance to the island’s squares, streets and natural spaces, turning Ustica into a meeting point for artists and audiences from across the Mediterranean.

UMPAF focuses on emerging and independent artists, contemporary creation and site-specific work that dialogues with the island’s landscape, history and community. Performances are free and open to residents and visitors. The festival also aims to strengthen cultural life on a small island beyond the tourist season, and to build bridges between Sicily, Spain and the wider European festival scene.

Looking ahead, UMPAF wants to grow as a platform for artistic residencies, international co-productions and exchanges between Mediterranean and European artists.