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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Below you can browse the posters and programmes prepared by local associations and municipalities.
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Saint Sebastian’s Feast in Mistretta – 18 August
Feast of Saint Sebastian in Mistretta: Religious Celebrations and Traditions
The city of Mistretta is preparing to honor Saint Sebastian the Martyr, Patron Saint of the Nebrodi community, with a rich program of events involving both faithful and visitors.
Start of Celebrations – August 11th
The festivities begin on August 11th with the solemn ringing of bells, marking the official opening of the celebrations in honor of Saint Sebastian. The evening will continue with a performance by the I.C. Tommaso Aversa Orchestra in "Note di Notte" (Night Notes), an unmissable musical event.
Triduum and Traditional Activities – August 15th-17th
From August 15th to 17th, the Triduum of Saint Sebastian will be characterized by numerous religious and cultural events. On August 16th, the XVIII edition of the Saint Sebastian Foot Race Trophy, a traditional sporting event, will take place. On August 17th, music and entertainment will enliven the city with the Euterpe Band, the Majorettes of Capizzi, the children of Hakuna Matata, and a performance by Alessandro Gandolfo.
Culminating Day – August 18th
August 18th is the most anticipated day: the Holy Mass will precede the Solemn Procession of the Simulacrum of Saint Sebastian and his relics, which will pass through the streets of Mistretta. To conclude, a fireworks display will illuminate the sky, followed by a show by Pippo Palmieri, directly from Radio 105's Zoo.
Concert by Danilo Sacco – August 19th
On August 19th, Danilo Sacco will hold a concert that promises to engage and captivate the audience. The evening will conclude with the drawing of raffle prizes, adding a further touch of excitement to the festivities.
Closing of Celebrations – August 25th
The festivities in honor of Saint Sebastian will officially conclude on the following Sunday, August 25th, with the traditional solemn ringing of bells that will bid farewell to participants and close this week of celebrations.
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Sagra ru Cuddurune – Traditional Fried Dough Festival in Mistretta
Mistretta is ready to celebrate a traditional event organised by the Pro Loco Mistretta APS tourism association: the Sagra ru Cuddurune.
The festival promotes one of Sicily’s simplest and most authentic popular foods: pieces of bread dough fried and served either with salt or with sugar. This humble speciality has long enriched family tables across the island.
Bringing together flavour, tradition and conviviality, the event has received the support of Sicily’s Department of Productive Activities for the second consecutive year, confirming the cultural and community value of the festival.
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