Summer Events Calendar 2026 in the Halaesa-Nebrodi Towns

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

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.

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.

The evening opens with the Amastra Folk Group, followed by Magic Salta, stilt walkers, soap-bubble performances and magic.

Tastings begin at 7:30 p.m. Live music is provided by Gli Assi, a popular band from Nicosia known for its energy and varied repertoire.