Summer Events Calendar 2026 in the Halaesa-Nebrodi Towns

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.

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

Following the success of last year’s event, “A Sea for Everyone” returns to Castel di Tusa for its second edition, scheduled for 30 July 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Approdo di Halaesa marina.

The event aims to remove physical barriers and promote access to the sea for people with disabilities. It was conceived and organised by Nehemia APS, chaired by Fabrizio Gandellini and Parisi Di Gangi, with Salvatore Cangelosi as vice-president. The initiative is supported by the Municipality of Tusa, with logistical and operational assistance from Approdo di Halaesa marina.

The project seeks to uphold the universal right to enjoy the sea, giving people with reduced mobility or other motor difficulties the opportunity to experience a day devoted to inclusion, socialising, sharing and discovering the distinctive qualities of the area.

Water-access equipment, qualified staff and volunteers will be available to provide safe assistance throughout the event. The day will also help raise public awareness of the importance of accessibility in public and natural spaces.

Thanks to the cooperation of the Madonie Nebrodi Slow short supply-chain project, participants will be able to share a dinner featuring local products, while also supporting businesses from the surrounding area.

To provide practical support for the organising association, volunteers—together with the Il Melograno Social Farm—will run a fundraising stand offering handmade items and local products. Proceeds will support future projects.

The programme will also include a moment of community and reflection during a Mass celebrated by Father Bernardo Ndim.

The Municipality of Tusa has confirmed its support for the initiative, recognising it as a positive example of solidarity and civic responsibility. “A Sea for Everyone” is more than a symbolic event: it is a practical step towards a fairer society in which no one is left behind.