Blue Fish Festival

A festival that smells of the sea

Every August, the village of San Gregorio, a seaside hamlet of Capo d'Orlando (in the province of Messina, on the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily), transforms into a vibrant gathering place for the Blue Fish Festival. The village square becomes the heart of a convivial evening celebrating the fishing traditions of this stretch of coast, in an atmosphere of joy and lightheartedness that draws both tourists and locals.

Blue fish takes center stage

The event was born with a specific purpose: to introduce visitors to the organoleptic qualities and nutritional values of blue fish, which the waters off Capo d'Orlando are particularly rich in. This category includes species with dark blue backs and silvery bellies: sardines, mackerel, anchovies, garfish, tuna, bonito, and swordfish. Hundreds of kilograms of freshly caught fish are cooked on the spot and offered to attendees, with dishes ranging from fried anchovies to pennette pasta with squid ragù.

In memory of Antonio Mentesana

The festival has a soul that goes beyond gastronomy: it is dedicated to the memory of Antonio Mentesana, a young fisherman from Capo d'Orlando who passed away prematurely in 2018, a figure deeply connected to the promotion of the local area and its maritime cuisine. During the evening, a moving tribute is paid to the village's veteran fishermen and the Mentesana family, testifying to the deep bond between the community and its sea.

Solidarity and community

The Blue Fish Festival is a free and charitable event: all proceeds are donated to charity. In recent editions, profits have been donated to organizations such as the Lega del Filo d'Oro. The event is organized by the local committee with the support of the Municipality of Capo d'Orlando and numerous sponsors, featuring live music, dancing in the square, and a shuttle service for participants.

Capo d'Orlando and its coast

Overlooking the gulf between the Nebrodi mountains and the sea, Capo d'Orlando is one of the most beloved seaside destinations in the Messina area. The village of San Gregorio, with its authentic character as a fishing town, provides the ideal setting for a festival that unites flavors, memory, and a sense of belonging during one of the most cherished evenings of the summer.