Chestnut Festival

A festival that smells of autumn

The Chestnut Festival in Antillo, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Messina perched in the Peloritani Mountains, is one of the most beloved autumn events in inland Sicily. Established in 1999, the festival celebrates the chestnut every October—a symbolic fruit of the region and the heart of local farming tradition. For two days, the historic center of the village transforms into a journey of flavors, aromas, and folk culture that attracts visitors from Messina, Catania, and across Sicily.

Local flavors and products

The absolute star is the roasted chestnut, prepared in traditional perforated pans and served steaming hot along the village streets. Alongside the chestnuts, the stalls offer a rich assortment of local specialties:

• Grilled sausage and hot sandwiches
• Artisanal sweets and homemade jams
• Wood-fired bread
• Mushrooms, cured meats, cheeses, and honey from the Peloritani
• Olive oil and wine from local producers

The craft market complements the food stalls, featuring items made by local artisans with a special focus on traditional techniques.

Music, folklore, and hiking

The festival is about more than just food: the program includes folkloric performances, live music, and popular entertainment, as well as activities designed for families. A major focus is placed on exploring the area, with guided hikes through the woods and along the ancient paths (trazzeri) surrounding Antillo, rediscovering the natural landscape of the Peloritani. There are also moments for cultural reflection, with conferences dedicated to rural roots and the village's tourism development.

Antillo and the Peloritani Mountains

Located about an hour's drive from Messina, Antillo is a village immersed in the greenery of the Peloritani, where the economy and identity have always been linked to chestnut cultivation. The Chestnut Festival was born precisely to highlight this ancient bond between the community and its land, offering residents and tourists a chance to experience the most authentic rural Sicily, far from the traditional tourist routes.