The Calasetta Pilau Festival on the island of Sant’Antioco, in Southern Sardinia

The Pilau Festival is organized every year in Calasetta, a municipality in the province of Southern Sardinia located on the northern tip of the island of Sant’Antioco, in the Sulcis archipelago.

Gastronomy, of course, is the protagonist of the feast: show cooking, culinary competitions, excellent cuisine and tastings are in fact the main elements, with pilau at the centre, a typical local dish based on fregula, a traditional Sardinian pasta, seafood and crustaceans, such as prawns, scampi and clams; usually the sea goat is used, a large crab that lives in the seabed of the place.

The event also includes evening concerts, an exhibition-market, special guests and guided walks in the village and in the surrounding countryside.

To reach Calasetta from the Italian peninsula you can travel with the Civitavecchia – Cagliari ferries, which take 15 hours of navigation at night, or with the Naples – Cagliari ones. After disembarking, you have to drive for about an hour and thirty minutes in the direction of Iglesias taking the SS 130 and from Iglesias continue on the SS 126 in the direction of Carbonia / Sant’Antioco up to Calasetta.

Pilau Festival in Calasetta

The Sardinian community of Calasetta, a coastal village located in Sant’Antioco, the small island connected by a bridge to the rest of Sardinia, organizes the Pilau festival annually to pass on and enhance its typical dish. The brand of this recipe based on fregula, the Sardinian semolina pasta, seafood and shellfish, is also about to be registered with the Ministry of Economic Development by the municipal administration.

Tasting stands are planned for the feast (for those who don’t like pilau, many restaurants offer alternative tourist menus), shows and music to entertain the public throughout the day.

2023 program

Dates and times of the festival for 2023 are Friday 30 June from 19.00 to 23.00 and Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 19.00 to 23.00.

Friday 30 June

• from 19.00 to 23.00 INFO POINT CCn Calasetta – all information, purchase of tasting tokens, merchandising (wines from the Cantina di Calasetta, T-Shirts, caps, etc.) in Piazza Belly Area Pilau.

Distribution Pilau from 20.00
SSD Basket – with merchandising – Piazza Belly
Ancilla Domini – preparation workshop – Piazza Belly
Sailors of Italy – with merchandising – Piazza Belly

• 17.00 – 19.00 show cooking Pilau my way – organized by the Cuochi Sud Sardegna association and Workshop and preparation by Chef C. Biggio in Piazza Belly Area Pilau.
• 18.00 Conference: “the protection of the spider crab habitat” Dr. Angelica Giglioli in collaboration with Marevivo Sud Sardegna will illustrate the habitat of the spider crab, a fundamental ingredient at the base of the Pilau recipe, how to protect it and how to safeguard it – by Lega Navale Sulcis – Hall of the Sailing Center Sports Village.
• 18.00 Wine tastings from the Calasetta winery with guided tours of the museum of the exhibition “This anonymity is subversive” – ​​curated by the MACC Foundation – MACC contemporary art museum.
• 18.00 – 19.30 Itinerant concert Along the streets of the town, Route of the festival with finale in Piazza Belly – curated by Banda G. Puccini.
• 18.30 Presentation of the book “The siren Margherita and Chiara’s fine linen” in collaboration with Chiara Vigo, Supervisor Prof. Carla Carcangiu – edited by the municipal library – coop. Centipede in the Council Chamber in the Pilau area.
• 18.30 – 21.00 The game of Burraco – organized by the Mare d’inverno Association – stand Via Roma – Tabarchina area.
• 19.00 – 21.30 Aperitif with music “waiting for Pilau” The music of DJ Roberto Portese will accompany the start of the tastings at Pilau – Piazza Belly.
• 9.30 pm – 10.30 pm Oriental dance show – by Rebecca Mascia and her group “Belly Manar” – Piazza Belly.
• 11.00 pm Musical show by The Big Mama group with the most important Italian and international covers by IKNOS PARTY Piazza Belly.

Saturday 1st July

• from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 19.00 to 23.00 Info Point CCn Calasetta – all information, purchase of tasting tokens, merchandising (wines from the Calasetta winery, T-Shirts, caps, etc.) in Piazza Belly Area Pilau.

Distribution Pilau From 12.30 and From 20.00
SSD Basket – with merchandising – Piazza Belly
Ancilla Domini – preparation workshop – Piazza Belly
Sailors of Italy – with merchandising – Piazza Belly

Various areas will be available around the area where you can sit down and taste the pilau. The restaurants Belly, U’ Palacca, Nord Ovest, Ca Taborka, L’Approdo, Bistrot Mamma Fina offer an alternative menu, to meet various tastes, at the fixed price of €30.00. The indication of the location of the dining areas and restaurants can be consulted on the map of the Pilau Festival.

• 9.30 – 19.00 preserve the biodiversity of the sea with awareness actions on the ASIA IV boat moored in the small port and stand at the Sports Village organized by Mare Vivo delegation from southern Sardinia.
• 10.00 – 14.00 exhibition of the lighthouse model of Mangiabarche in lego bricks at the infopoint – by CaralisBrick – ref. Maurice Lampis.
• 10.00 – 14.00 Opening of the exhibition of sailing ship models – organized by the Mare d’Inverno Association – Torre Sabauda upper floor.
• 10.00 – 14.00 Opening of the Don Tore Armeni Collection Archaeological Museum – curated by the Macc Foundation – Torre Sabauda lower floor.
• 10.00 – 14.00 Opening Museum of contemporary art – curated by the MACC Foundation – MACC contemporary art museum.
• 10.00 – 13.00 Opening of the Sea Museum “from Poseidon to Cadessedda” by Giuseppe Carbone – curated by Cala dei Mici Calasetta – via Umberto – Expo area.
• 10.00 – 13.00 Tours and excursions by bicycle in Calasetta and surroundings – organized by ASDCT I due Leoni Isola di Sant’Antioco – Sports village.
• 10.00 – 20.00 Entertainment for children and teenagers on ELASTIC CARPET by Ditta Pani Alessandra – Sports Village.
• 10.00 – 17.00 Open day of the club – organized by Lega Navale Sulcis – Sports village.
• 10.00 – 17.00 Presentation and test of Hansa 303 – organized by Lega Navale Sulcis – Sports Village.
• 10.00 – 12.00 Performances Olympic weightlifting men and women – by ASD Sulcitan. Sports village.
• 10.00 – 12.00 Sports Supplements – edited by P. Luigi Frau & WATT. Sports village.
• 10.00 – 20.00 Awareness raising on the daily and sporting use of water for health and well-being, with purification and free distribution of water – by Biosalus Italia srl ​​– Sports Village.
• 10.00 – 13.00 Exhibition and Popeye tournament – ​​organized by ASD Polisportiva Markos – Free registration open from 08/05/23 to 3286075699 – Sports village.
• 10.30 Pole Dance exhibition – edited by Valentina Lusci – Sports Village.
• 11.00 am mystery box – organized by the students of the Ipia Emanuela Loi hotel school in Sant’Antioco in collaboration with the South Sardinia Cuochi Association in Piazza Belly Area Pilau.
• 11.00 – 12-30 Conference on Pilau Historical and cultural bases – edited by Remigio Scopelliti – Council Chamber in the Pilau area.
• 12.00 Pole Dance exhibition – edited by Valentina Lusci – Sports Village.
• 1.00 pm and 8.00 pm Aperitif with music “waiting for Pilau” The music of DJ Manlio Biagetti will accompany the tastings at Pilau – Piazza Belly.
• 15.00 – 20.00 Sports Supplements – edited by P. Luigi Frau & WATT – Sports Village.
• 15.00 – 20.00 Football-Tennis Tournament – ​​organized by Ass. Calcio Tennis Sant’Antioco – Registration on 3472496853 – Sports Village.
• 15.00 – 20.00 Archery for everyone, Exhibitions and trials for the public – organized by ASD Arco Club San Giovanni Suergiu – Sports Village.
• 3.30 – 5.30 pm Little Friends football square – organized by Asd Calcio Antiochense-Calasetta Campo – Sports village.
• 3.00 pm – 8.00 pm Opening of the Don Tore Armeni Collection Archaeological Museum – curated by the Macc Foundation – Torre Sabauda lower floor.
• 3.00 pm – 8.00 pm Opening of the Contemporary Art Museum – curated by the MACC Foundation – MACC contemporary art museum.
• 16.00 – 18.00 Exhibition and Popeye tournament – ​​organized by ASD Polisportiva Markos – Free registration open from 08/05/23 at n° 3286075699 – Sports village.
• 16.00 – 20.00 Tours and excursions by bicycle in Calasetta and surroundings – organized by ASDCT I due Leoni Isola di Sant’Antioco – Sports village.
• 16.00 – 18.00 “Volere Volare” children’s workshop on building and flying kites – organized by Spazio Cosmico by Alessia Marrocu – Registration free at n°3286075699 (max 20 children) – Sports village.
• 4.00 pm “I caught a crab” workshop by Davide Volponi for children aged 7 to 11 – Terrace Museum MACC.
• 16.30 – 21.00 Pilau bocce tournament – ​​organized by Circolo Bocciofilo – Registration at the Circolo Bocciofilo via Strada Vecchia 1 (from 18.00 to 20.00) – Competition field of the bowling club.
• 17.00 – 19.00 Performances Olympic weightlifting men and women – by ASD Sulcitan. Sports village.
• 17.30 Exhibition of Pole Dance – edited by Valentina Lusci – Sports Village.
• 17.30 – 19.00 Presentation of the book “My name is Marisa and give me del tu” by Maria Teresa Casu – edited by Auser Calasetta ODV – Council Chamber in the Pilau area.
• 18.00 Fusion Belly Dance Show – Balkan and Gypsy Dance Exhibition – edited by Alice and Benedetta – Sports Village.
• 18.00 presentation of the book “Before the evil” by Nicola Cabiddu – edited by the Millepiedi coop – in the library.
• 18.30 – 19.00 Performance of Synchro Latin and Zumba Fitness by Claudia Ancillotti’s Asd Fun Fit – Sports Village.
• 18.30 – 21.00 The game of Burraco – organized by the Mare d’inverno Association – stand Via Roma – Tabarchina area.
• 19.00 Chef Rafael Rodriguez cooks the Pilau – Peruvian Chef, known internationally. Winner of several awards including the girotonno of the 14th edition 2016, consultant for various important hotels and restaurants in the world. Special Guest Tessa Gelisio in Piazza Belly Area Pilau.
• 19.30 Exhibition of Pole Dance – edited by Valentina Lusci – Sports Village.
• 20.00 Fusion Belly Dance Show – Balkan and Gypsy Dance Exhibition – edited by Alice and Benedetta – Sports Village.
• 10.30 pm Musical show by the group QUEEN IN ROCK-Tribute to Queen – Piazza Belly.

Sunday 2nd July

• from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 19.00 to 23.00 INFO POINT CCn Calasetta – all information, purchase of tasting tokens, merchandising (wines from the Cantina di Calasetta, T-Shirts, caps, etc.) in Piazza Belly Area Pilau.

Food and wine in Piazza Belly in the Pilau area
Distribution Pilau From 12.30 and From 20.00
SSD Basket – with merchandising – Piazza Belly
Ancilla Domini – preparation workshop – Piazza Belly
Sailors of Italy – with merchandising – Piazza Belly.

Various areas will be available around the area where you can sit down and taste the pilau. The restaurants Belly, U’ Palacca, Nord Ovest, Ca Taborka, L’Approdo offer an alternative menu to suit various tastes, at the fixed price of €30.00. The indication of the location of the dining areas and restaurants can be consulted on the map of the Pilau Festival.

• 9.00 – 12.00 Santino Rombi Memorial – Beginners category – organized by Asd Calcio Antiochense-Calasetta – Sports field – Campo Sciamain.
• 9.30 – 19.00 preserve the biodiversity of the sea with awareness actions on the ASIA IV boat moored in the small port and stand at the Sports Village organized by Mare Vivo delegation from southern Sardinia.
• 9.30 – 13.00 Free Diabetes Screening by Lions Club Carbonia – Council Chamber in the Pilau area.
• 10.00 – 14.00 Opening of the Don Tore Armeni Collection Archaeological Museum – curated by the Macc Foundation – Torre Sabauda lower floor.
• 10.00 – 14.00 Opening of the Contemporary Art Museum – curated by the MACC Foundation – MACC contemporary art museum.
• 10.00 – 13.00 Tours and excursions by bicycle in Calasetta and surroundings – organized by ASDCT I due Leoni Isola di Sant’Antioco – Sports village.
• 10.00 – 20.00 Entertainment for children and teenagers on ELASTIC CARPET by Ditta Pani Alessandra – Sports Village.
• 10.00 – 17.00 Open day of the club – organized by Lega Navale Sulcis – Sports village.
• 10.00 – 17.00 Zonal regatta class Hansa 303 will be visible from the village point and overview – by Lega Navale Sulcis – Sports Village.
• 10.00 – 12.00 Sports Supplements – edited by P. Luigi Frau & WATT. Sports village.
• 10.00 – 12.00 Archery for everyone, Exhibitions and trials for the public – organized by ASD Arco Club San Giovanni Suergiu – Sports Village.
• 10.00 – 12.00 Performances Olympic weightlifting men and women – by ASD Sulcitan. Sports village.
• 10.00 – 12.00 Sports consultancy and training planning – organized by ASD Polisportiva Markos – Sports Village.
• 10.00 – 20.00 Awareness raising on the daily and sporting use of water for health and well-being, with purification and free distribution of water – by Biosalus Italia srl ​​– Sports Village.
• 12.00 Chef Davide Atzeni, of the Coxinendi restaurant in Sanluri, represented Italy in the Girotonno 2022. Special Guest Tessa Gelisio.
• 1.00 pm and 8.00 pm Aperitif with music “waiting for Pilau” The music of DJ Manlio Biagetti will accompany the tastings at Pilau – Piazza Belly.
• 3.00 pm – 8.00 pm Opening of the Don Tore Armeni Collection Archaeological Museum – curated by the Macc Foundation – Torre Sabauda lower floor.
• 3.00 pm – 8.00 pm Opening of the Contemporary Art Museum – curated by the MACC Foundation – MACC contemporary art museum.
• 15.00 – 20.00 Football-Tennis Tournament – ​​organized by Ass. Calcio Tennis Sant’Antioco – Registration on 3472496853 – Sports Village.
• 15.00 – 20.00 Archery for everyone, Exhibitions and trials for the public – organized by ASD Arco Club San Giovanni Suergiu – Sports Village.
• 15.00 – 20.00 Sports Supplements – edited by P. Luigi Frau & WATT. Sports village.
• 3.30 pm – 7.30 pm “Ajò a Giogai – Anémmu à zügò” Playful activity – board games for all ages by Solkitec and Assoc. Iklos – via Rome.
• 16.00 – 19.00 Sports consultancy and training planning – organized by ASD Polisportiva Markos – Sports Village.
• 16.00 – 20.00 Tours and excursions by bicycle in Calasetta and surroundings – organized by ASDCT I due Leoni Isola di Sant’Antioco – Sports village.
• 4.30 – 6.30 pm Santino Rombi Memorial – Beginners category – organized by Asd Calcio Antiochense-Calasetta Sports field – Campo Sciamain.
• 4.30 – 5.30 pm Show Dance – Dance performances and Cheerleaders – organized by ASD Wellness Sport Carloforte – Sports Village.
• 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm Santino Rombi Memorial – Beginners category – organized by Asd Calcio Antiochense – Calasetta Sports field – Campo Sciamain.
• 4.30 – 5.30 pm Show Dance – Dance performances and Cheerleaders – organized by ASD Wellness Sport Carloforte – Sports Village.
• 17.00 Master Pizzaiolo Cristian Tolu will talk about the world of pizza today and will demonstrate with the pizza that allowed him to win the world championship and 26 other prestigious awards.
• 17.00 – 19.00 Performances Olympic weightlifting men and women – by ASD Sulcitan. Sports village.
• 17.30 – 18.00 Pilates performance and demonstration lesson of circuit time Total body – edited by ASD ELY Sant’Antioco – Sports Village.
• 17.30 – 19.00 Presentation of the book “A long Mediterranean history: Tabarca. Readings and reflections – with the author Fabio Pomata; speaker Remigio Scopelliti – Council Chamber in the Pilau area.
• 18.00 – 19.00 Latin choreographic dances – edited by ASD Fenice Dance Carloforte – Sports Village.
• 6.30 pm 8-metre cake by the Sant’Antioco hotel school in collaboration with the Associazione Cuochi Sud Sardegna and all the collaborators of the Pilau 2023 festival. The proceeds will go to charity to the ASSOCIATION OLTRE.
• 18.30 – 21.00 The game of Burraco – organized by the Mare d’inverno Association – stand Via Roma – Tabarchina area.
• 19.00 – 20.00 Calasettana quadrille performance and traveling procession organized by the Pro Loco Calasetta folk group – Calasettana quadrille performance (Sports Village) traveling procession via S.Maurizio – via Umberto – via Dante – via Roma – Calasettana quadrille performance (Piazza Belly) – Village sporty – Belly Square.
• 19.30 – 20.30 Yoga at sunset above the tower – curated by Lai Annarita – ASD Polisportiva Markos -Terrazza Torre Sabauda.
• 20.00-21.30 Screening of the film “Tabarchini, the history of the sea that unites” the documentary film by Habib Mestiri produced by Ennio Pontis curated by the Raixe Museum – Piazzale della Chiesa.
• 9.30 pm Musical show by the ECHO80 group with their Italian and international 70s-80s and 90s covers and closure of the Piazza Belly festival.