Hazelnut Festival

The Ucria Hazelnut Festival

Every September, the small village of Ucria, perched on the eastern slopes of Monte Castello between 710 and 790 meters above sea level in the heart of the Nebrodi Park, comes alive for the Hazelnut Festival. The event, organized by the Cultural and Social Association for the Protection and Valorization of the Hazelnut, is dedicated to the star product of this corner of the Messina province: the Nebrodi hazelnut, known in the local dialect as nucidda.

The Gold of the Nebrodi

The Ucria hazelnut is considered an authentic delicacy, aptly dubbed the "Gold of the Nebrodi." Grown on the town's hillsides, it is distinguished by its unmistakable taste, texture, and aroma, the result of a unique microclimate and soil. Local production reaches significant quantities each year and represents a cornerstone of the area's agricultural economy. The festival was created specifically to promote this resource, support local producers, and keep alive a farming tradition that is deeply rooted in Ucria's identity.

Flavors and Tastings

The heart of the festival lies in the food stalls set up along the village streets, where visitors can sample numerous hazelnut-based specialties. The signature dish is pasta with hazelnut pesto, but there is no shortage of desserts, baked goods, and creations prepared by local chefs and bakeries. Alongside the hazelnuts, the stalls offer other typical Nebrodi products such as chestnuts, tuma cheese, ricotta, and wine, providing a culinary journey that showcases the entire gastronomic heritage of the area.

Music and Festive Atmosphere

The event, which runs from late afternoon until night, combines gastronomy with a lively entertainment program. The evening traditionally concludes with a concert at the Arena Comunale, a major draw that brings together the local community and the many visitors who travel up to Ucria for the occasion.

A Village to Discover

Visiting the Hazelnut Festival is also the perfect opportunity to explore Ucria, a Nebrodi town in the province of Messina with ancient origins: its name is thought to derive from the Arabic Kerya ("the village"), and archaeological findings testify to settlements dating back to antiquity. Between nature, mountains, and folk traditions, the festival offers an authentic immersion into inland Sicily, far from the most beaten tourist paths.