Curtigghiu e Spirdu

A walk through alleys, tales, and spirits

Curtigghiu e Spirdu is one of the most fascinating and evocative events of the summer in Mistretta, a village in the Nebrodi mountains in the province of Messina, in the heart of Sicily. It is a nocturnal walk that combines urban trekking with popular storytelling: the alleys and narrow streets of the historic center transform into an open-air theater, populated by mysterious figures and stories handed down for generations.

The meaning of the name

The dialect title captures the soul of the event: curtigghiu refers to the chatter, gossip, and stories told in the village's ancient courtyards, while spirdu evokes the spirits, presences, and legends that have always inhabited the popular imagination of Mistretta. Along the route, local storytellers and "wise" keepers of local memory accompany visitors with anecdotes, fables, riddles, and tales suspended between reality and fantasy.

The route through the historic center

The walk winds through the maze of narrow streets and alleys that hold the history of Mistretta, starting from the heart of the village and crossing lesser-known corners, stairways, and small squares. It is an original way to rediscover the Mistretta of the past, made of oral traditions, neighborhood life, and an intangible heritage that risks being lost.

Conviviality and tradition

At the end of the walk, there is a convivial moment with a small refreshment: in past editions, the evening concluded with pirsicata, a snack made of peaches and wine typical of the local peasant tradition. A simple gesture that strengthens the sense of community and hospitality that drives the entire event.

A community project

The event is conceived and organized by the Associazione La Valle delle Cascate, with the patronage of the Municipality of Mistretta, and is part of the Estate Amastratina program. The direction and narration are curated by Daniela Dainotti, president of the association. Participation is free and suitable for everyone, from children to adults, in an experience that celebrates the village, its legends, and its bond with the Nebrodi territory.