Eel Festival

A festival that tells the story of Sinagra

The Eel Festival is one of the most deeply rooted and beloved events in the municipality of Sinagra, a village nestled in the lush greenery of the Nebrodi mountains, in the province of Messina, in the heart of northern Sicily. The event revolves entirely around a product that has been a fundamental resource for the community for centuries: the Naso stream eel, of the prized 'pointed-head' variety, appreciated for its exceptional organoleptic qualities.

The origins: from 1979 to today

The event was born in 1979, when a group of friends realized that the local festival calendar lacked something capable of highlighting the town and promoting a local product that was too often forgotten. From that first group of enthusiasts, one of the longest-running festivals in the Nebrodi area has grown, now an integral part of Sinagra's identity and capable of attracting visitors from all over the province of Messina and beyond.

Fishing with the 'stagghiata'

The charm of the festival is closely linked to an ancient and evocative fishing tradition, the stagghiata. The technique consists of temporarily diverting the course of the Naso stream to dry out a section of the riverbed, allowing fishermen to lift the stones under which the eels take refuge. Only specimens weighing more than 100 grams are caught, a gesture of respect for the species and the environment that testifies to the deep bond between the village and its stream.

Traditional dishes

The heart of the festival remains the table. At the food stalls set up in Piazza San Teodoro, the eel is offered in numerous preparations of Sicilian cuisine:

• Grilled eel, charred and fragrant;
• Eel stew, slow-cooked with tomatoes and aromatic herbs;
• Roasted eel accompanied by the classic Sicilian caponata;
• Eel 'alla cacciatora', a flavorful recipe from the peasant tradition.

Alongside the eel, there is also space for other local gastronomic specialties and typical products of the Nebrodi.

Atmosphere and entertainment

In addition to the tastings, the Eel Festival offers a rich entertainment program: folk performances, live music, exhibitions of local products, and festive moments that enliven the Sinagra evenings. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic culture of the Nebrodi and experience the hospitality of a small Sicilian village. Historically, the event took place in August; in more recent editions, it has been moved to autumn, in the month of October.