People of Halaesa-Nebrodi: Filippo Fratantoni Sicily
A deep dive into the history of one of Santo Stefano's most iconic ceramic families, known worldwide
Halaesa Nebrodi 09/11/2024 0
Stepping across the threshold of the large building housing the Ceramiche Fratantoni showroom and factory means immediately immersing yourself in a world whose contours are clearly defined by the gray of the clay ('a rita in the local dialect) of countless vases, "Moro heads," and lamps, all crafted and left to rest, awaiting glazing and firing. This stark contrast is met by the explosion of vibrant colors used for decorating the finished artifacts that literally fill the exhibition spaces. At the center of the stage of a nearly century-long performance, a workbench stands out, surrounded by pieces already worked but awaiting decoration and firing. It's a magnificent scenographic and communicative choice that speaks volumes about this ancient expressive art, which only finds its final expression at the end of a long working cycle.
Within this complex and ancient world are the people, the artisans, and the skilled workers who have dedicated themselves to this magnificent art for centuries and who have made Santo Stefano di Camastra famous worldwide: the ceramists, or, to use a lesser-known term, the ceramicari.
Filippo Fratantoni is one of them, son of ceramists and a ceramist himself. He's a multifaceted individual, always involved in the social life of his Santo Stefano di Camastra, to which he also dedicated a long political period.
The Legacy of Ceramiche Fratantoni
Filippo, this chat is taking place within one of the historic businesses of Santo Stefano di Camastra: Ceramiche Fratantoni, a descendant of the Ditta Fratelli Fratantoni, founded way back in 1935. What has happened in these 89 years of activity?
"The business was born in the post-war period when my grandfather and his four sons set up an artisan workshop where they produced 'i marazzetri and 'i cusuzze, which were nothing more than toys inspired by everyday objects. Using four lathes for processing, they created small bummuli, quartare, lemmi, and rasticetri, reproducing in miniature what Stefanesi artisans had long been producing in their workshops. The small pieces made were bought by street vendors who, aboard their carts, would then sell them in local markets for a few pennies, allowing less affluent children to also have a modest toy to play with.
Subsequently, at the end of the Second World War, a qualitative leap occurred, and the Fratantoni family, thanks to the purchase of larger warehouses and premises, dedicated itself to the production of terracotta for daily and building use, still remaining outside of ceramic products as we see them today.
In reality, at that time, furnaces and workshops were still located outside the town, along the national road (SS.113) that led towards Messina, which carried all the modest vehicle traffic of the era. These were the hard 1950s after the war, but subsequently, thanks to the economic recovery, we began to see Fiat 1100s, then Fiat 600s, some regular buses, and even tourists who, attracted by the goods left to dry by the numerous roadside artisans, began to be interested in purchasing the displayed products. From this moment on, interest also grew in producing and selling decorated ceramics, which led to the birth of 'a scola ceramica, now the Art School, which began to train the first decorators to support the master potters—a crucial moment given that the workers of the time did not have the skills to color their artifacts.
Our interest has always been directed towards reproducing 19th-century Stefanesi traditional tiles and bricks, and in the 1970s, we patented the glazing of lava stone slabs, with which we began to build tables of various shapes and sizes that would otherwise be impossible to create with clay, a material severely penalized in terms of resistance and contraction during firing.
Today, our company has reached the fourth generation. My brothers and I dedicate ourselves to the production of the classical line, particularly the production of tiles, while we give the younger generation the freedom to experiment with the new worlds and creative spaces offered by modern ceramics."
Responding to Market Challenges and Innovation
Some years ago, we witnessed an invasion of foreign-made products, especially from China, which had nothing to do with artisanal ones, distracting consumers and creating great confusion. How did the community of Stefanesi ceramists respond to this intrusive presence, what countermeasures were taken, and what has changed in the relationship with the end-user?
"We simply continued to do our job and to do it well. The real invasion happened, but it has also passed. Today, mainly reproductions of pinecones and 'Moro heads' arrive from China, which have little impact on our work. My father always told us: 'Don't get discouraged, ceramics always have their ups and downs,' and I must say that's how it has been. Today we are in a period of great recovery. People's taste is becoming more refined and they can recognize an object by the quality it expresses. The new generations are increasingly attracted to our world, thanks also to the presence of media and social media, which have given new impetus to our sector. Just think of the international projection that designers Dolce and Gabbana gave to the 'Moro head' by featuring it in some of their advertisements. This highlighted an object that has always existed but, undoubtedly, thanks to their intervention, has become highly sought after."
The MUDIS: A Diffused Museum
Filippo Fratantoni's name is closely linked to MUDIS, an acronym for "Museo Diffuso Stefanese" (Stefanesi Diffused Museum), of which you are the Artistic Director. I'm curious about the use of the term "diffused" and, at the same time, I'd like to delve into its history, which begins with Giuseppe Lanza Barresi, Duke of Camastra.
"We have always believed that Santo Stefano di Camastra is an open-air museum. The MUDIS was born from a vision that originated in the 1980s, thanks to the late mayor Gigi Famularo, who worked to find the necessary funds for the restoration of the palace that belonged to the Duke of Camastra. That's where the Museum of Ceramics was born, with ample exhibition spaces dedicated to the history of Stefanesi and Sicilian ceramics, coexisting with a very important collection of modern artistic ceramics. Alongside this, as part of the diffused museum project, there are installations scattered throughout the city, and our artisans' workshops themselves are an integral part, through their shops and colorful exhibition spaces that overlook the main streets of Santo Stefano in a very scenic way."
The "Passport of the Ceramic Route"
Artistic ceramics are a very important tourism driver, especially if the right synergies are created with other regional and national realities. I find the "Passport of the Ceramic Route" initiative very interesting. It aims to unite six Sicilian communities in a stimulating journey to discover the world of ceramics, and Santo Stefano is an integral part of it. The Passport was presented on March 24th of this year—I was there—but I didn't see many ceramists present. How many businesses have joined the project, and what developments do you foresee from this initiative?
"It's true. Although we ceramists have cordial and collaborative relationships with each other, we are quite reluctant to leave our workshops and engage in collective, broad-ranging projects. Sometimes in the past, the expected results were not seen, and this has led us to increasingly retreat into our individual activities, avoiding professional confrontation with other colleagues, and thus we have gradually given up on creating the right synergies. I think instead we should change our attitude.
Regarding the Passport of the Ceramic Route, I believe it was and remains a valid initiative that the current administration believes in and has put a lot of energy into. It probably needs to be revised in some aspects, but the initiative is truly interesting."
Ceramics in the Age of Robotics
The challenges of the third millennium bring us closer and closer to a robotic and computerized world. Do you think the world of ceramics and craftsmanship in general, sooner or later, will have to adapt to this non-gentle revolution? Will a robot ever use a stick to shape a "Moro head" or a brush to glaze a "Matrangela"?
"In reality, 3D printers have already entered the world of industrial ceramics. With them, and thanks to them, it's now possible to create decorated laminate slabs of 3 square meters with thicknesses of just a few millimeters, which would be impossible to achieve with traditional machinery. But we're talking about industrial and large-scale productions.
Craftsmanship is another thing: it's a place where 'a rita (clay), creativity, heart, and manual skill intersect. I don't believe a robot could ever intervene and replace the artisan-artist, at least in this aspect."
A Dream for the Future
Finally, Filippo, your story tells of a person who has dedicated himself to his company, his family, and his community. Do you have a dream tucked away that you would like to entrust to future generations?
"The dream exists, and I've kept it tucked away for several years: I would like to see a great museum of contemporary ceramics realized, with young artists from all over the world gathering in Santo Stefano to dream, experiment, and create contemporary works of art. It would be a valuable tool for cultural and tourist attraction to accompany the artworks contained in the Diffused Museum of Fiumara d'Arte, which would further strengthen the tourist and artistic vocation of our territory.
You can learn more about the Operators and the Project of GMT™ Halaesa-Nebrodi.
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Halaesa Nebrodi 22/06/2025
Short Movie Fest in Pettineo from June 26th to 28th
Forty-eight short films in competition, made by artists from different parts of the world, divided into three screening sessions; an evening dedicated to the nomination announcements and another dedicated to the awards ceremony. All enriched by guided tours of the Fiumara d'arte works, workshops for children, musical entertainment, and, of course, insightful tours of the host city: Pettineo.
These are the numbers with which the first edition of the Short Movie Fest, the international short film festival conceived and organized by the municipal administration and the Small Shaker theatrical association, presents itself to the public. It is framed within the much larger project called "COAST AND ALESINE VALLEYS: AN ITINERARY TO REDISCOVER THE VILLAGES OF CASTEL DI LUCIO, MOTTA D'AFFERMO, AND PETTINEO."
The project, which we have already covered previously (
Along this journey, which will unfold during the month of June, in addition to the Short Movie Fest, other interesting activities will come to life, such as: "Risalendo la storia" (Retracing History) (Castel di Lucio-Pettineo-Motta d'Affermo), "Medievalia" (Castel di Lucio, June 29), "Il filo di Arianna" (Arianna's Thread) (Castel di Lucio), "Residenza d'artista" (Artist Residency) (Pettineo), "1 km di tela" (1 km of Canvas) (Pettineo).
To expand the rich offer of events, interesting cultural and musical events are scheduled to be hosted at Palazzo Minneci (Motta d'Affermo), such as the upcoming Euterpe Fest planned for June 26, 29, and 30.
The three evenings of the Short Movie Fest will be hosted by the duo Alessandra Storniolo-Filippo Di Pietro and will feature the renowned musician and composer Nino Nobile and the comedian Roberto Anelli as guests.
The jury will be composed of Francesco Nucara (Director of Photography), Michele Tarzia (filmmaker), Giovanni Puliafito (composer), and the Small Shaker Theatrical Association.
Halaesa Nebrodi 07/02/2025
GMT™ Halaesa-Nebrodi meets with Nicosia di Sicilia to develop unique experiential itineraries-Sicily
Today, through the pages of our website, we're launching a new partnership that not only unites nearby communities but, more importantly, brings together two territories of immense tourist appeal under one grand project: the Sicilian hinterland and the Tyrrhenian coast.
This exciting collaboration is thanks to the experiential tourism initiative spearheaded for several years by Nicosia di Sicilia and the team of Salvatore Burrafato, Samuel Granata, and Valentina Bircher. By combining captivating accommodations, delectable food and wine itineraries, and a wealth of professionalism, they've crafted some truly interesting tourism packages. The heart of this project lies in the beautiful town of Nicosia, in the province of Enna, home to the accommodations managed by Valentina and Manuel. However, its scope extends with keen interest across the entire hinterland, where the Erei mountains gaze upon the majestic Etna, stretching across vast fields of cereals and grains, and where prickly pears, olives, and fruit trees have always thrived.
These are also the very places where cattle and pig farming, along with sheep herding, were and remain driving forces of the local economy. Today, these areas are also looking with renewed interest at forgotten crops like saffron. Just a few kilometers from Nicosia lies Salvatore's ancient and charming farmhouse, carved into the rock, where guests can embark on a delightful food and wine journey, perfect for indulging in genuine flavors and fully relaxing amidst nature.
With Salvatore, Manuel, and Valentina, we've envisioned uniting our projects to create a truly special and unique tourism package. This package starts in the hinterland, travels along the ancient "Via del Grano" (Grain Route), and culminates in Halaesa, a place where, in ancient times, ships at anchor in the port were loaded with foodstuffs to be distributed to Rome.
The days our guests spend with us will be enriched with food and wine tastings and guided tours that, starting from Nicosia, will touch various municipalities within Halaesa-Nebrodi. There will also be time to enjoy moments of pure relaxation, ensuring travelers' memories are filled with truly unforgettable images and experiences.
The complete Halaesa-Nebrodi Catalog, featuring all the proposed tourist packages, will be released shortly.
Riccardo Zingone 18/10/2025
Study Seminar dedicated to the archaeologist Sebastiano Tusa
"History and Archaeology between Amastra and Halaesa - Study Day in memory of Sebastiano Tusa": this was the title of the interesting meeting held on October 18 in Mistretta at the Salone del Circolo Unione, moderated by the Telemistretta journalist, Dr. Giuseppe Cuva.
The long-standing association, together with the broadcaster Telemistretta and under the capable direction of Dr. Salvatore Antoci, seized the opportunity to bring together the municipalities of Mistretta and Tusa, on whose territories stand two archaeological sites of great importance and depth: Amastra and Halaesa.
The presentation was entrusted to Dr. Salvatore Antoci, who, in tracing the excursus that led to the event, wanted to emphasize how the entire district needs economic and social development actions, stressing the importance of the two archaeological sites as elements of tourism development. These concepts were also expressed by the President of the Circolo Unione, surveyor Mario Di Franco, who highlighted how these events, along with others such as the Maria Messina Prize and the Giuseppe Cocchiara Prize, are useful tools for transmitting memory and knowledge, as well as providing a significant reflection to trace a path for the future through the past.
The speech by Monsignor Michele Giordano, President of the Telemistretta Association, was heartfelt and pertinent; he invited everyone present, and also those connected live, to firmly support the regional broadcaster as it is an expression and voice of the Territory. Monsignor Giordano also reiterated how necessary it is to strengthen the union between municipalities and territories, working fruitfully outside of local rivalries (campanilismi).
The address by the Mayor of Mistretta, Dr. Sebastiano Sanzarello, focused on the importance of the archaeological field for the two cities of Mistretta and Tusa which, together with ancient Calacte (today's Caronia), represented an important commercial and cultural gateway between the hinterland and the Tyrrhenian coast in the past. It is plausible that the city's origins are Phoenician, as this people, despite coming from the sea, used to establish settlements in the nearby hinterland to protect their commercial interests. The importance of the intimate relationship between the hinterland, the coast, and maritime routes – continued Sanzarello – was perfectly grasped by Sebastiano Tusa, who dedicated much of his work to studying submerged artifacts, convinced that they were also witnesses to the history of the inland communities. Sanzarello, bringing the focus back to the archaeological site of Amastra, highlighted how his administration has paid great attention to the past and present excavations carried out in the area of the Arab-Norman Castle, even though he is aware that, given the three-millennium stratification of the inhabited center, most of the treasures are and will remain hidden underground, unlike Halaesa which arose in a site completely different from the current Tusa. Sanzarello also reiterated that, through intense collaboration with the Superintendency for Cultural and Environmental Heritage of Messina, further archaeological research will be initiated at the Castle site.
The action of the municipality of Tusa – continued Lawyer Angelo Tudisca, Mayor of the city – has been focused for several decades on deepening the history of Halaesa Arconidea, a Siculo-Greek city founded in 403 BC. In recent years, the site has been the subject of new excavations that have brought to light a thermal complex of considerable importance and, despite the skepticism of some, even the ancient theater. Tudisca also emphasized the importance of the relationship resulting from the agreements stipulated with various national and international universities and the fundamental role played by the late Prof. Tusa, who always accompanied and supported the administrative activity in this direction. "We invest heavily in young people," Tudisca continued, "and for several years, with a view to raising their awareness of archaeology, we have organized summer camps hosting dozens of young people, bringing them closer to the ancient world through the site of Halaesa."
The speech by Prof. Giovanni Travagliato, an art historian, focused on the enormous amount of work produced by Sebastiano Tusa over the years, making him a true pillar of modern archaeology. Sebastiano Tusa – continued Travagliato – was able to frame the Mediterranean Sea not only as a place of conflict but also of encounter, and therefore he leaves us a legacy of enormous value that we must be able to preserve and transmit to the new generations. "We are often led to remember heroes who died in war," said Travagliato, "but we must also give the right value to those who died in peace, starting with the illustrious Mistrettese people, from Tommaso Aversa to Maria Messina, Giuseppe Cocchiara and many other Amastratini who served and studied the territory in order to transmit ancient history, culture, and traditions to the new generations."
Prof. Aurelio Burgio, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Palermo and the architect of the latest findings at the Halaesa site, then highlighted the importance of the entire western Nebrodi area, recalling the importance over the centuries of other major settlements such as Calacte-Caronia, Apollonia-San Fratello, and Aluntium-San Marco d'Alunzio. "Intense and lively synergies already existed between different communities in ancient times," stressed Burgio, "and today archaeological finds can become an effective element to combat the depopulation of villages and restore vitality to communities by picking up the thread of history." Burgio continued, "We must remember that the Faro Convention aims to activate citizens to participate in archaeological discoveries," an invitation promptly accepted by Professor Maria Grazia Antinoro, present in the audience, Principal of the I.S.S. Alessandro Manzoni, ready to engage her students in the world of archaeology. "These meeting moments," concluded Burgio, "represent perspectives through which we can trace the future together."
The conclusion of the intense afternoon was entrusted to Dr. Valeria Li Vigni Tusa, Prof. Tusa's wife, archaeologist, current Superintendent of the Sea, and President of the Sebastiano Tusa Foundation. The brilliant initiative identified the late Prof. Sebastiano Tusa as an exceptional common thread, as her husband represented and continues to represent an authoritative figure in the international archaeological world. "We owe him," his wife reminded us, "the discovery of the Dancing Satyr of Mazara, the Imperial Heads of Pantelleria, the Kouros found in Lentini, and the Rostra of the Battle of the Aegates Islands."
"Sebastiano," Li Vigni Tusa told us, "was the promoter of the establishment of 27 submerged museums, authentic underwater cultural itineraries accessible with the system of remote sensing and augmented virtual reality, thus honoring the vision he had always fought for regarding underwater archaeological finds, understood as a heritage belonging to everyone and which we must all be the custodians of. Starting precisely with the fishermen," Li Vigni continued in her speech, "since they are very often the discoverers of these memories hidden at the bottom of the sea, people of exceptional importance with whom my husband managed to forge intense collaborative relationships. In the same way, he loved interacting with citizens, administrators, associations, and institutions, as they are all part of a great project of cultural regeneration of the history and memory of the peoples who lived, inhabited, and charted the Mediterranean."
"My husband," Li Vigni Tusa continued, "loved Mistretta deeply, to which he was bound by a sincere and intimate relationship transmitted to him by his father Vincenzo, born in Mistretta, who was also an archaeologist of great stature. Certain events such as the feast of San Sebastiano and the Madonna della Luce were unmissable moments for my husband: although not born in Mistretta, he always felt and cultivated a strong bond with the city that gave birth to his father and that he frequented as a child. Upon his death, we felt the need to give continuity to the enormous work carried out by Sebastiano over the years through the establishment of the Sebastiano Tusa Foundation because we want to commemorate the over 700 writings elaborated by my husband and continue in the indelible path he indicated over decades of incessant and exciting work. The Foundation's activity is very intense and develops through relationships with institutions and communities thanks to the organization of seminars, workshops, and reviews." Li Vigni Tusa concluded, "Sicily is a watercolor composed of strong colors and soft colors, and we are all its custodians."
Sebastiano Tusa tragically and prematurely died in a plane crash in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, on March 10, 2019, on a flight that would have taken him to Malindi to participate in a UNESCO conference in his capacity as Regional Councillor for Cultural Heritage of the Region of Sicily. The institution of the Superintendency of the Sea by the Region of Sicily in 2004 is attributed to him.
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