The Sicilian Ceramic Roads Arrive in New York: U.S. Debut for the Island’s Experiential Tourism

New York, June 22, 2026 – From the heart of Sicily to the international showcases of New York. The Sicilian Ceramic Roads are taking another important step in their growth and internationalization journey by arriving in the United States for the first time with “Sicily, Lands in Hands”, a project co-funded by the Sicilian Region – Department of Productive Activities – under the initiative “Sicilia che piace” – 2026 edition.

The event, scheduled from June 25 to 27, will bring to the Big Apple the art, culture, traditions, and identity of the Sicilian territories united by their historic ceramic production. The Sicilian Ceramic Roads project is today one of the most innovative experiences in the field of cultural and heritage tourism on the island. Born from an idea of the press agency Migi Press and the collaboration among the municipalities of Burgio, Caltagirone, Collesano, Monreale, Santo Stefano di Camastra, and Sciacca, the initiative promotes a centuries-old artisanal tradition by transforming it into a tool for territorial promotion, tourism development, and cultural dialogue.

The initiative is rooted in the belief that ceramics are not merely artistic products, but a language capable of telling the story, colors, traditions, and most authentic soul of Sicily. This widespread heritage allows visitors to discover territories often far from the main overtourism routes through experiences involving workshops, museums, artisan studios, landscapes, and local communities. A distinctive element of the project is the Sicilian Ceramic Roads Passport, a tool that transforms travel into a participatory experience. Visitors can collect stamps from the six participating cities, access museums and workshops, take part in experiential activities, and enjoy direct contact with master ceramic artisans. A journey that culminates with the recognition of “Friend of the Sicilian Ceramic Cities” and the presentation of a ceramic artwork created by the artisans of the network.

In recent years, the project has experienced steady growth, attracting attention and recognition from both the public and industry professionals. Its presentation at BIT Milan in 2024, with more than thirty works displayed inside the Sicily Pavilion, represented the first important national showcase. This success was confirmed by participation in the 2025 edition, characterized by an even larger network and more than sixty operators involved, including ceramic artists, accommodation facilities, and local businesses. Significant visibility also came from the Salone del Mobile in Milan, where a prestigious artistic installation dedicated to the ceramic cities was exhibited on the 39th floor of the Palazzo della Regione Lombardia, attracting thousands of visitors. The exhibition was later hosted in the Cloister of Palazzo dei Normanni in Palermo, in collaboration with the Fondazione Federico II.

Now attention is shifting overseas. The project “Sicily, Lands in Hands” was created with the aim of presenting the Sicilian Ceramic Roads to a highly qualified audience of tour operators, international buyers, entrepreneurs from the furniture and interior design sectors, gallery owners, collectors, journalists, and influencers specializing in tourism, art, design, and lifestyle. The choice of New York represents a precise international positioning strategy. The American metropolis is one of the world’s leading hubs for luxury tourism, the art market, and contemporary design, a place where relationships can generate new commercial, cultural, and tourism opportunities.

The program will open on June 25 at the Choplet Ceramic Studio Shop & Gallery in Brooklyn with the inauguration of the exhibition “Sicilian Ceramic Roads – Lands in Hands”. The exhibition will feature a selection of works created by master ceramic artisans from the six cities of the network and will be accompanied by press meetings, B2B sessions, and tasting experiences dedicated to Sicilian food and wine excellence. The following day will focus on direct experience with a hands-on clay workshop, during which the American public will have the opportunity to engage with techniques and knowledge passed down through generations. In the evening, Long Island will host the “Monreale Bread Experience”, an event dedicated to Sicilian gastronomic traditions, combining material culture, territorial storytelling, and tastings.

The event will conclude on June 27 at Eataly Flatiron, in the heart of Manhattan, with another day of workshops, live demonstrations, and meetings dedicated to promoting Sicilian excellence. More than a simple exhibition, “Sicily, Lands in Hands” represents the first major international debut of the Sicilian Ceramic Roads in the United States market. An opportunity to tell the story of an authentic and contemporary Sicily, capable of transforming its artisanal heritage into a tool for territorial development, tourism attraction, and international dialogue.