Agri Med Europe in Santo Stefano di Camastra
From Palermo to Santo Stefano: a unique journey winding through international politics, Nebrodi agri-food entrepreneurship, and cultural identity
Halaesa Nebrodi 13/05/2026 0
Agri Med Europe: Santo Stefano di Camastra becomes the beating heart of the Mediterranean between Politics, Excellence, and Identity
SANTO STEFANO DI CAMASTRA – On June 13th, Sicily is set to experience a day of extraordinary strategic importance. Santo Stefano di Camastra, known worldwide as the "City of Ceramics," will host Agri Med Europe, an event that aims to create an original synthesis between high-profile institutional moments and the promotion of the agri-food and cultural heritage of the Nebrodi territory.
The initiative was established under the aegis of MEP Giuseppe Antoci, President of the Political Commission of the DMED for the European Parliament. The stated objective is clear: to strengthen Sicily's centrality within the commercial, cultural, and political routes of the Mediterranean, highlighting local identity as a driver for development.
The institutional path: from Palazzo dei Normanni to the Nebrodi
The day will begin at 10:30 AM in the historic heart of Palermo. Political delegations from 42 Mediterranean countries will be welcomed at Palazzo dei Normanni, where they will visit the Palatine Chapel, a symbol of the fusion between Arab and Norman cultures.
After a moment dedicated to tasting the island's gastronomic excellence, the core proceedings will begin at 1:00 PM in the Sala d’Ercole. Here, the Political Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, chaired by Hon. Antoci, will meet for a discussion on economic and political strategies destined to influence the entire Mediterranean basin.
Arrival in Santo Stefano and the role of GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi
In the afternoon, the focus of the event will shift to Santo Stefano di Camastra. At 4:00 PM, the conference "What is needed from Europe to support agricultural producers" will offer a platform for dialogue between institutions and local businesses, aimed at guiding the growth of agricultural companies in line with European directives.
At 4:45 PM, the arrival of international delegations will mark the official inauguration of Agri Med Europe and its exhibition spaces. Within this area, a fundamental presence will be that of GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi, which will actively participate with its operators. The district will act as a key interlocutor to illustrate a productive heritage that is not just about economy, but about the active protection of biodiversity and food and wine traditions.
An immersion in agri-food excellence
The absolute protagonist of the exhibition spaces will be the Nebrodi territory, represented by a rigorous selection of products including:
-
Ancient varieties of Sicilian durum wheat;
-
Provola dei Nebrodi, Capizzi Truffles, and renowned I.G.P. and De.Co. products;
-
Prestigious Slow Food Presidia, among which the Nebrodi Black Pig stands out.
Through targeted tastings, these excellences will act as true "ambassadors" of the rural and cultural soul of the region, offering visitors an authentic and engaging experience.
Art, Folklore, and Tradition: a city in celebration
Agri Med Europe will also represent an important opportunity to showcase arts and traditions. The event will highlight high craftsmanship with the master potters of Santo Stefano, who will create works live, witnessing knowledge handed down for generations.
From 7:00 PM, the historic center will transform into an open-air theater:
-
In Piazza Matrice, the evocative performances of the Giants of Mistretta and the charm of the Jews of San Fratello, famous for their embroidered jackets and trumpet sounds linked to Holy Week rites.
-
Along Via Umberto I and the Viale delle Palme, the songs and dances of the Amastra Folk Group and musical performances by the Santa Cecilia Musical Association.
-
Traveling shows, live bands, and DJ sets will animate the evening until late at night.
The event will conclude at 7:45 PM with a Gala Dinner at the prestigious setting of Palazzo Trabia, sealing a day dedicated to building new Mediterranean synergies and promoting Sicilian territorial identity.
You may also like...
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.
Riccardo Zingone 18/08/2026
Open Honey Houses in Motta d’Affermo
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.
Halaesa Nebrodi 03/11/2025
The GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi present at the BTE in Palermo
The "Halaesa Nebrodi" project lands at the BTE in Palermo: a model for the regeneration of inland areas
The GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi, launched just two years ago, is preparing for a significant milestone and on November 15th and 16th, it will be a protagonist at the BTE – Borsa del Turismo Extralberghiero (Non-Hotel Accommodation Tourism Exchange) in Palermo, a key event for the sector that will be held at the Cruise Terminal.
Reaching this important stage has not been easy. Its success is the result of the enthusiasm of local operators and the fundamental economic contribution of two sensitive and motivated sponsors: Mammana Group and Azienda Sacco Franca. Thanks to this synergy, the Territory will be present through an integrated tourism proposal, the result of the valuable scouting, organization, and coordination work carried out by the CTT™ of Halaesa Nebrodi.
The BTE: A Benchmark for Tourism Sustainability
Now in its 9th edition, the BTE – Borsa del Turismo Extralberghiero is organized by Confesercenti Sicilia with the patronage and collaboration of important institutions, including the Region of Sicily – Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment, the City of Palermo, the Metropolitan City of Palermo, and OTIE (Observatory of Tourism in the European Islands).
The event has consolidated its leadership in central-southern Italy, best interpreting the needs of those promoting tourism sustainability, with a particular focus on inland areas and territories less frequented by traditional tourist routes. The BTE acts as a crucial link between accommodation facilities, tour operators, travel agencies, experience promoters, and travelers. For the GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi, participation in this Exchange therefore represents a natural and important point of arrival.
An Intensive Journey to Build the Tourist Destination
The GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi intended, from the outset, to create and strengthen its brand as an authentic Tourist Destination. The journey has been intense and full of fundamental stages:
-
January 26, 2024: Official presentation of the project in Mistretta during the Sicilian stage of the Gran Tour dell’Ospitalità organized by Territori e Italianità, a community of professionals conceived and coordinated nationally and internationally by Andrea Succi with the aim of promoting the Cultural and Tourism Regeneration of inland areas.
-
April 29, 2024: Presentation of the official website www.halaesanebrodi.it in Castel di Tusa.
-
September 21, 2024: Meeting in Castel di Lucio, during which an Action Plan was proposed to the Mayors of the Territory.
-
Spring 2025: Publication of the first Tourist Products Catalogue in collaboration with the Tour Operator Aura Mundi by Katia Mastroeni.
This work has been constantly supported by an active presence on social media channels (Facebook and Instagram), with the production of professional content thanks to the valuable collaboration of Living Sikelia and Il mondo attraverso di Salvatore Marra.
Halaesa Nebrodi: Between B2B, Exhibition Space, and Seminars
The constant commitment of over twenty Operators and the work of the CTT™ – Territorial Tourism Coordinator now converge in the participation in the BTE in Palermo, where the Halaesa Nebrodi project will be present in full form:
-
A dedicated exhibition space to meet visitors and industry professionals.
-
Access to the B2B area, essential for initiating commercial relationships with national and foreign tour operators.
-
An active presence with a speak during the seminar Strumenti bottom-up per competere (Bottom-up Tools for Competing), scheduled for Saturday the 15th at 5:30 PM. The experience of Halaesa Nebrodi will be presented as a concrete model for the regeneration of inland areas.
During the event, a promotional video of the project, created by Emanuele Torre of Torre Films, will also be presented.
A Future for Inland Areas
In un'epoca in cui le destinazioni tradizionali soffrono di overtourism, le vaste aree interne – custodi di un patrimonio materiale e immateriale di immenso valore – necessitano di modelli organizzativi efficaci. Il modello GMT™ è la risposta a una domanda turistica sempre più orientata all'esperienza autentica e al contatto intimo con le Persone e il Territorio. È un modello replicabile che intendiamo proporre su scala regionale, rafforzato dall'esperienza maturata nel nostro territorio e che può trovare ulteriore e reciproco impulso da future sinergie.
Gli anni a venire saranno cruciali per tracciare la rotta futura delle splendide comunità coinvolte.
“Viaggiare è aggiungere vita alla vita.” – Gesualdo Bufalino