Saint Sebastian’s Feast in Mistretta – 18 August

The Spirit of Agri Med Europe 2026 and the Value of Hospitality

A magnificent celebration of the people, welcoming its guests in the best possible way. Ultimately, this is what Agri Med Europe 2026 was all about: a massive, choral embrace through which an entire territory chose to showcase itself to the world by sharing the very best it has to offer. Welcoming the international delegation brought with it several values and meanings that go far beyond a standard moment of institutional courtesy. Indeed, it reinforced the principle that the Mediterranean must be interpreted as a place of encounter rather than conflict; that territorial boundaries must be overcome through cohesion among peoples; and that the word guest—a term that in antiquity simultaneously encompassed the concepts of "the host" and "the hosted"—proved that the principle of hospitality was an undeniable aspect of human dignity. These are tough concepts to swallow in times when there is endless talk of barriers, border defenses, and "racial" or ethnic distinctions. Thanks to the political activity of the D-MED Political Committee in strengthening dialogue among Mediterranean countries, and to the hospitality offered by a small corner of the magnificent Nebrodi mountain range, an exceptional example of welcome, intercultural dialogue, and mutual friendship was put on display.

The Conference: "What is Needed from Europe to Support Agricultural Producers"

Agri Med Europe was therefore conceived and realized to grant visibility to the Nebrodi region through its cultural and traditional values. The agri-food and ceramic sectors channel themselves perfectly into this path, serving as a genuine expression of local identity. The exhibitors' stands (nineteen dedicated to Nebrodi agri-food products and six to ceramics from Santo Stefano), carefully positioned along the charming side streets lining the long Via Vittorio Veneto in Santo Stefano di Camastra, revealed themselves to visitors only as they passed by, making it impossible to spot them from a distance. This image, which the organizers perhaps unintentionally offered to the public, serves as a metaphor for the hard, silent, and sometimes invisible work behind companies that struggle daily to keep their businesses running amidst restrictions, bureaucracy, and often incomprehensible regulations.

Institutional Dialogue with MEP Antoci and Territorial Marketing

These were the key themes that emerged from the dialogue between producers and Europe during the meeting held between the exhibitors present at Agri Med Europe and MEP Antoci, at the foot of the Mother Church of the city of ceramics. The numerous speeches that followed reinforced the need for mutual collaboration between operators and institutions, based on and supported by a careful territorial marketing plan, as the only way to provide concrete answers to the various sectors that form the social and economic backbone of the territory. These insights and requests were promptly welcomed by the MEP who, as a supporter and practitioner of the "politics of doing," made himself available to listen closely to the producers. Together, they are working on a comprehensive territorial organization project that takes into account the needs, critical issues, and enormous potential that sometimes struggle to express themselves due to a lack of up-to-date marketing strategies.

Equally interesting and meaningful was the participation of the I.I.S. "A. Manzoni" of Mistretta, represented by the Hospitality School based in Santo Stefano di Camastra. The synergy sparked between this institution and the Slow Food Nebrodi operators—which materialized in the presentation of several iconic local dishes—further reinforced the concept that agri-food traditions must not only be preserved but, above all, passed down from generation to generation, recognizing food as a powerful expression of identity.

The Official Inauguration and Folk Traditions in Celebration

The strong emotional charge following the ribbon-cutting ceremony—performed by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union, the Egyptian Mohamed M. Abou El Enein, and the President of the D-MED Political Committee, MEP Giuseppe Antoci—was palpable throughout the entire event. It accompanied the delegation and the audience until the manifestation closed late in the evening. This emotion quickly turned into amazement at the very first musical notes, which accompanied the striking dances of the Giants of Mistretta through the streets of Santo Stefano. These iconic symbols of the Nebrodi city's identity were followed by festive performances from the Amastra folk group, the Santa Cecilia Musical Association of Santo Stefano di Camastra, the cheerleaders of the I.C. Tusa-Mistretta, and the large, colorful group of the Jews of San Fratello (Giudei di San Fratello). This wonder was immediately evident from the vast number of smartphones held high in the air, eager to capture unique images to show back home or to share instantly via social media livestreams, thus providing an exceptional and deeply meaningful promotional opportunity for the territory.

The Final Message: The Strategic Centrality of the Nebrodi and Sicily

Drawing from these sensations, impressions, and the resulting economic development prospects for the region, Agri Med Europe delivers a powerful message: the Nebrodi area, bolstered by its biodiversity and authenticity, can and must play a strategic role in the economic and social development of the territory, thanks to the recognized and reinforced central role of Sicily within Mediterranean economic and trade routes.

Exhibitors in Attendance:

Terre audaci, Gelateria artigianale Giovanni Alferi, Acquafico Garden, Dei Casabona, Il vecchio carro, Il Melograno, Il Cavaliere, La dispensa del massaro, Caseificio Albereto, Dolci tentazioni, Condotta Slow Food Nebrodi, A.Fioriglio, 24 Baroni, Li paternosci, Casaleni Natural Bio, Villa Colonna, Ceramiche Serravale, Nadal, Le Malagioie, Le terrecotte del soleil, Nino Ferrigno, Zolea Art & Design.

On Sunday 17 November, “Mielerie Aperte – Open Honey Houses”, a nationwide project promoted by UNAAPI, returns to the Il Melograno agricultural and social farm in Motta d’Affermo, an active partner of GMT Halaesa-Nebrodi.

During the event, Elisa and Riccardo guide visitors through the fascinating world of bees and beekeeping, together with social organisations that work with the farm to provide inclusion services across the area.

Visitors can learn about bees and beekeeping, discover the treasures of the hive and taste a selection of Sicilian honeys.

Two visiting sessions are available, from 10:00 a.m. to noon and from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Open Honey House workshop, Via Belvedere 3, Motta d’Affermo.

For information and bookings, call +39 347 648 1284.

The event, which will be held on June 29th in Castel di Lucio, is organized by the Cultural Associations BCsicilia and Il Filo di Arianna, as partners for the implementation of the "Attractiveness of Historic Villages" intervention. This initiative falls within the framework of cultural and social regeneration of small historic villages, and is funded under the PNRR by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The overall intervention, which will simultaneously involve three municipalities, is called "COAST AND ALESINE VALLEYS: AN ITINERARY TO REDISCOVER THE VILLAGES OF CASTEL DI LUCIO, MOTTA D'AFFERMO, AND PETTINEO."

The event is configured as a medieval-themed day, structured in various entertainment phases. The program includes a historical re-enactment focused on the Ventimiglia era, with a costumed procession winding through the historic center of Castel di Lucio, culminating at the ruins of the Ventimigliano Castle.

Concurrently with the event, the traditional "Sagra de Favi Squadati" (Festival of Broad Beans), organized by Pro Loco Castel di Lucio, will take place, integrated into the medieval thematic context of the event.

Here is the program for MEDIEVALIA Historical Re-enactment JUNE 29, 2025 CASTEL DI LUCIO (ME)

5:00 PM - PIAZZA UMBERTO I

• Opening of the medieval village
• Archery camp
• Snake exhibition
• Birds of prey exhibition with flight demonstrations
• Entry of flag-wavers and musicians from the city of Caccamo, medieval musicians for the village by the Magma group.
• Exhibition of artisan works and display

6:00 PM - PIAZZA UMBERTO I

• Archery tournament

6:30 PM - VIA GARIBALDI

• Start of the parade with the historical procession of the Ventimiglia, flag-wavers, archers, and musicians, passing through Porta della Terra

VIA ROMA

• Medieval fire show

CASTLE SQUARE

• Flag-wavers show
• Historical Re-enactment

8:30 PM - VIA DANTE

• "Favi Squadati" tasting by Pro Loco

9:30 PM - CASTLE SQUARE

• Medieval juggling by the Magma group