Maria Messina Literary Prize in Mistretta
The Maria Messina Literary Prize celebrates the Sicilian author and her enduring connection with Mistretta.
Riccardo Zingone 18/08/2026 0
The Maria Messina Prize is a major cultural initiative promoted by Associazione Progetto Mistretta. The Maria Messina Literary Prize was first held in 2004 and is dedicated to the writer Maria Messina.
Maria Messina, one of Sicily’s most important women writers, was born in Palermo in 1887. In 1903 her father, a school inspector, was transferred to Mistretta, where the family lived until 1909. During those formative years she began writing stories inspired by the town. They were published in 1911 and contributed to two notable collections, Pettini fini and Piccoli gorghi. She later wrote novels and books for young readers and died in Pistoia in 1944.
One hundred years after leaving Mistretta, Maria Messina symbolically returned to the town she loved. In 2009 her remains were laid to rest beside her mother in Mistretta’s monumental cemetery. The initiative, promoted by Associazione Progetto Mistretta with the municipality and local community, also led to a street near the Church of San Giuseppe being named after her.
To honour the author—who corresponded with Giovanni Verga—Associazione Progetto Mistretta has organised the literary prize since 2004. The nineteenth edition was scheduled for 5 October in the reception hall of the Circolo Unione.
The prize is open to writers, young authors and students who find their chosen form of expression in writing. Over the years it has honoured prominent Sicilian, Italian and international writers and cultural figures, with participants and award recipients from the United States, Germany, Tunisia and Spain.
The event also recognises associations, local initiatives and individuals whose work contributes to storytelling, the arts and cultural life. This edition includes a posthumous award dedicated to a distinguished painter from Palermo.
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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.
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.
Riccardo Zingone 18/08/2026
Summer Events Calendar 2026 in the Halaesa-Nebrodi Towns
Halaesa-Nebrodi welcomes visitors with a rich programme of events designed for different interests and ages.
Below you can browse the posters and programmes prepared by local associations and municipalities.
Enjoy summer 2026 in Halaesa-Nebrodi!
This calendar is continually updated as new events are announced.