Here's the Kamalé Festival for you!

A series of unique events in Lampedusa.

The Kamalé Festival is more than just an event: it is a journey to the heart of Mediterranean culture, a meeting between tradition and innovation that takes place on the magical island of Lampedusa, the southernmost point in Italy.

This festival was created as a tribute to the legacy of Antoine Michel, a visionary Yesss Man, and his Sharabià, the universal language that describes Lampedusa as a symbol of hospitality and multiculturalism in the Mediterranean.

A festival for all the senses.

The Kamalé Festival is a concentration of artistic, culinary and cultural experiences. Every year, Lampedusa is transformed into an outdoor stage where cabaret shows, live music concerts and debates enliven the evenings. Alongside the Show Area, the Market Area will take you on a journey through the authentic flavours of the Mediterranean region, with typical dishes prepared by local restaurant owners and served with fine wines and craft beers.

A celebration of art and nature.

During the festival, artists from the Visioni d’Autore Foundation perform live, immersing spectators in a unique creative atmosphere. This is all done in an eco-friendly way, using only environmentally sustainable and recyclable materials, such as our reusable glasses!

An event with deep social value.

The festival is not just entertainment: each food booth hires people from socially disadvantaged circumstances, thereby promoting inclusivity and solidarity. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds and unused food are donated to the Charity of Lampedusa, thus strengthening the community spirit that is at the heart of the event.

Why attend the Kamalé Festival..

The Kamalé Festival is an opportunity to experience Lampedusa in its most genuine form: an island that enchants with its wilderness, crystal clear sea and welcoming community. The festival celebrates cultural blending, enhances the beauty of this symbolic place and addresses key issues such as respect for nature, art and human rights.

By going to the Kamalé Festival you’re saying “Yes!” to life and to an event that turns every moment into a memorable experience.

Kamalé, a magic word with undefined boundaries.

Kamalé is an exotic word which evokes curiosity and mysticism. It can have different meanings depending on the cultural or linguistic context in which it is used. Antoine Michel made this word part of his own personal Esperanto language, singing it in Sharabià, his most famous song that has grown to be a hymn to multiculturalism over the years.

Generally speaking, the word Kamalé has its roots in African and Arabic languages, and even in certain religious traditions. Lack of specific references make its history difficult to trace; however, its use may have spread due to migration and cultural exchange, gradually adapting to different regions over time.

Arabic origin

In Arabic, the name Kamalé may be a variation of Kamal (كمال), meaning “perfection” or “completeness”. It is a name that stands for ideal beauty and harmony.

African languages

In some African languages, such as Wolof, the word could be linked to meanings like “excellence” or “nobility”, although these meanings vary from region to region.

Religious and spiritual references

In some contexts, the word may signify spiritual greatness or connection to higher values.

In short, this almost magical word has no specific definition yet has undeniably positive connotations.
Kamalé is a call to life that the Yesss People army wants to be heard everywhere.

Check out the #YessStories

This social video series explores the past, present and future of the people who inhabit and love the Pelagian Islands.

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Antoine Michel and «Sharabià»

Kamalé is the legacy of the Yesss Man Antoine Michel. This term originates from his song Sharabià, the language that travelled from Lampedusa throughout the Mediterranean.

This video is a tribute we wish to dedicate to his philosophy, which achieves its zenith precisely with Sharabià: an iconic song that was used as the opening theme for Claudio Baglioni’s festival in Lampedusa O’Scià and the Rai program Alle Falde del Kilimangiaro. It is a “blend” of sounds and words that creates “a sort of Esperanto” – a language that unites people and transcends borders.