Braidi Ricotta Festival
The Nebrodi ricotta takes center stage in the village of Braidi
About Braidi Ricotta Festival
The Braidi Ricotta Festival
The Braidi Ricotta Festival is one of the most cherished gastronomic events in the Messina hinterland. It takes place in the hamlet of Braidi, a small village in the municipality of Montalbano Elicona, in the heart of the Nebrodi Park, Sicily. Established in 2022 by the "Padre Arlotta" ANSPI Circle, the festival has quickly become a highly anticipated early autumn event, drawing visitors from across the province and beyond.
Ricotta, the Queen of the Nebrodi
The absolute star is the fresh Nebrodi ricotta, produced according to local pastoral traditions. At the stalls set up for the occasion, ricotta is offered in many variations: served simply with honey, breaded and fried, or transformed into desserts like Sicilian cassata, cannoli, fried sweet ravioli, gelato, and ricotta granita. There is also the famous ricotta and wild berry cheesecake.
Flavors of the Mountain Territory
Alongside ricotta, the festival promotes the entire Nebrodi food and wine supply chain. Among the most popular specialties are homemade pasta with Nebrodi black pork sauce and baked ricotta, arancini with ricotta and black truffle, and sandwiches with porchetta and baked ricotta. It is a culinary offering that tells the story of the farming and pastoral identity of this corner of Sicily.
Music, Folklore, and Tradition
The event is not just about gastronomy: the day comes alive with musical, folkloric, and entertainment shows, craft markets, and moments of conviviality. The festivities kick off in the morning with the opening of the stalls, continue with tastings at lunchtime, and conclude in the evening with musical entertainment.
One of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages
The festival is also an opportunity to discover Montalbano Elicona, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and famous for its Swabian-Aragonese castle and the nearby Malabotta Forest with the Argimusco megalithic site. Braidi is just a few minutes from the historic center, immersed in the mountain landscape of the Province of Messina and Sicily.
Braidi Ricotta Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 Braidi Ricotta Festival is confirmed for Sunday, September 6 in the hamlet of Braidi, Montalbano Elicona, in the Nebrodi Park. As per tradition, the event will kick off in the morning with the opening of the stalls, continuing with lunchtime tastings and concluding in the evening with musical entertainment.
Once again this year, the star will be the fresh Nebrodi ricotta, offered in sweet and savory versions, alongside typical local dishes. The full program, including times, shows, and gastronomic offerings, will be announced by the organizers of the "Padre Arlotta" ANSPI Circle closer to the event.
Prices Braidi Ricotta Festival 2026
Practical information — Braidi Ricotta Festival
How to get there
By car: from the A20 Messina-Palermo motorway, take the Patti exit, then continue for about 15 km along the SP 119 towards Montalbano Elicona; the hamlet of Braidi is located just a few minutes from the historic center. The nearest train station is Patti-San Piero Patti, on the Tyrrhenian line.
Admission and tastings
Admission to the festival is free. Tastings are available at the food stalls by purchasing tickets for individual dishes.
Contacts
Organization: Circolo ANSPI "Padre Arlotta". Information: +39 334 300 7614 / +39 327 734 5939. Updates on the OttoBraidi Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — Braidi Ricotta Festival
Frazione Braidi