An Afternoon in the Town of Lovers
Edition 2026 Storytelling Poetry Heritage

An Afternoon in the Town of Lovers

A Valentine's Day celebration among the alleys and heart-shaped windows of Sinagra

Sinagra — Messina (283) Since 2022
Dates 15 Mar — 15 Mar 2026
Location Sinagra (283)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Town of Lovers

Every year around Valentine's Day, Sinagra—a charming village in the Nebrodi mountains near Messina—hosts "An Afternoon in the Town of Lovers." This romantic stroll through the historic center features heart-shaped windows, love stories, accordion and guitar music, visits to the Wedding Dress Museum, and poetry recitals. Organized by the local Pro Loco, this traditional event celebrates Sinagra's identity as the "Town of Lovers."

Sinagra, the Town of Lovers

Nestled in the hills of the Nebrodi mountains in the province of Messina, the village of Sinagra is famously known as the "Town of Lovers." Around Valentine's Day, this small Sicilian hamlet transforms into a romantic trail thanks to An Afternoon in the Town of Lovers, an event created and organized by the Pro Loco Sinagra Centofontane Association to showcase the historic center, its traditions, and its enchanting atmosphere.

The Legend

The event is rooted in a local legend passed down for nearly two centuries: the story of Lio, a young man of humble origins who could read and write, and his love for Nunziatina, the daughter of Don Tano, the village's finest hatter. According to tradition, this star-crossed romance inspired the custom of decorating homes with heart-shaped windows, a symbol that still defines the alleys of Sinagra today and has earned it the title of "Land of Lovers."

A Journey Through Alleys, Music, and Poetry

The afternoon begins with a visit to the Wedding Dress Museum, followed by a guided walk through the village's narrow streets in search of the iconic heart-shaped windows. Along the way, participants listen to love stories narrated by local voices, accompanied by the sweet sounds of accordion and guitar. The route also includes a visit to the "A putia di Lidda" house-museum, where ancient love letters are read aloud.

  • Visit to the Wedding Dress Museum
  • Stroll through the alleys to find the heart-shaped windows
  • Love story narrations with musical accompaniment
  • Visit to the "A putia di Lidda" house-museum and reading of love letters
  • Poetry recital at Palazzo Salleo

The Poetry Recital

The day concludes at Palazzo Salleo with a recital of love poems presented by local writers and poets. During the ceremony, certificates are awarded to the "Valentine's Poets," and special recognition is given to local couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries, creating a warm atmosphere that brings the whole community together.

An Event for the Village

More than just a simple gathering, An Afternoon in the Town of Lovers has become a cherished tradition for the Sinagra community and an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Nebrodi region, far from mass tourism. This free, open-to-all initiative highlights the town's identity and helps promote the heritage of this village in the province of Messina, in the heart of Sicily.

Town of Lovers — edition 2026

The 5th edition of "An Afternoon in the Town of Lovers" took place in Sinagra on March 15, 2026, postponed from Valentine's Day due to bad weather. Between heart-shaped windows, love stories, music, and poetry, the Nebrodi village reaffirmed its identity as the "Town of Lovers."

The fifth edition of "An Afternoon in the Town of Lovers," organized by the Pro Loco Sinagra Centofontane Association, was held on March 15, 2026, having been postponed from the traditional Valentine's Day date due to adverse weather conditions.

After visiting the Wedding Dress Museum, participants walked through the village alleys in search of heart-shaped windows, listening to love stories narrated by local voices accompanied by accordion and guitar music. The route included the "A putia di Lidda" house-museum with readings of love letters.

The event concluded at Palazzo Salleo with a love poetry recital, the presentation of certificates to the Valentine's Poets, and special recognition for local couples celebrating long wedding anniversaries.

Programme Town of Lovers 2026

  • Visit to the Wedding Dress Museum
  • Stroll through the alleys with heart-shaped windows and love story narrations
  • Live music (accordion and guitar)
  • Visit to the "A putia di Lidda" house-museum and reading of love letters
  • Poetry recital at Palazzo Salleo with the awarding of the Valentine's Poets

Highlights Town of Lovers 2026

Edition postponed to March 15 due to bad weather; poetry recital at Palazzo Salleo with awards for Valentine's Poets and recognition for couples celebrating long anniversaries.

Prices Town of Lovers 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Town of Lovers

Location

Historic center of Sinagra (ME), Sicily. The route winds through Piazza San Teodoro, the village alleys, the Wedding Dress Museum, the "A putia di Lidda" house-museum, and Palazzo Salleo.

How to get there

By car: Take the A20 Messina-Palermo motorway, exit at Brolo-Capo d'Orlando, then follow the SS113 and the provincial road into the Nebrodi mountains. The nearest train station is Capo d'Orlando-Naso, approximately 15 km away.

Admission

The event is free and open to everyone. For information and schedules, please contact the Pro Loco Sinagra Centofontane Association.

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Where does it take place — Town of Lovers

Centro storico di Sinagra

Contact Town of Lovers

Town of Lovers in brief

Storytelling Poetry Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Family Art crafts Outdoor Free Messina

History of Town of Lovers