Graniti Cherry Festival (Ciliegiando)

Ciliegiando, the village of cherries

In Graniti, a small village perched at the foot of the Alcantara Valley in the province of Messina, the cherry is more than just a fruit: it is the very identity of the town. For over thirty years, on the second Sunday of June, the Pro Loco Graniti has organized Ciliegiando, the Cherry Festival that draws visitors from all over eastern Sicily. The event, which took its current form in 2011 thanks to the vision of Luigi Circello, has transformed a rural tradition into one of the most beloved food and wine festivals in the Messina area.

The Acquavene cherry

The Graniti area produces over ten varieties of cherries, but the true treasure is the Acquavene, a native variety grown in the district of the same name, prized for its generous size and intense flavor. During the festival, producer stands offer fresh, just-picked cherries, as well as jams, syrups, desserts, and other delicacies, alongside local products and regional wine.

Among murals, museums, and folklore

Ciliegiando is much more than just a tasting event. The heart of the festival is Passeggiando ciliegiando, a guided walk that starts from the Mazzullo Museum and winds through the historic center, blending art, culture, performances, and tradition. Graniti is well-known as the village of murals: along its narrow streets, you will find dozens of wall paintings that turn the town into an open-air museum. The arrival of the traditional Sicilian cart, accompanied by music and folk costumes, and the performances of folk groups bring the evenings in Piazza Manganelli to life.

A village to discover

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to visit the Pineta, the Mazzullo Museum dedicated to sculptor Giuseppe Mazzullo, and the Alcantara River Banks trail, set in a unique natural environment on the edge of the Alcantara Valley Nature Reserve. Graniti, in the municipality of the same name within the Metropolitan City of Messina, welcomes visitors with the authentic hospitality typical of Sicily's small villages.