Ibbisu Village Fest - Porchetta and Sausage Festival

Ibbisu Village Fest, the beating heart of summer in Gesso

In the village of Gesso—known as Ibbisu in the local Messinese dialect—a hillside hamlet of the Municipality of Messina perched at an altitude of 265 meters on the Tyrrhenian side of the Peloritani Mountains, one of the area's most beloved local festivals takes place every summer. The Ibbisu Village Fest was created to promote the region by reviving the folk, culinary, musical, and cultural traditions of this corner of the Peloritani, just a few kilometers from the center of Messina.

The Porchetta and Sausage Festival

The highlight of the event is the Porchetta and Sausage Festival, an unmissable gathering that fills the squares with mouth-watering aromas. Alongside the food stalls, you will find craft stalls, street food, and specialties that showcase the village's traditional cuisine. It is the perfect opportunity to savor the authenticity of Peloritani food in a festive atmosphere open to all ages.

Music, entertainment, and folk culture

The Ibbisu Village Fest is about more than just food: the program features a mix of concerts, cabaret, DJ sets, and performances that keep the evening going until late. Over the years, the stage has hosted regional and national artists, ranging from comedy acts to dance parties dedicated to the greatest hits of the 90s. The festival is also a great time to visit the Museum of Folk Culture and Music of the Peloritani, which preserves the memories and traditional instruments of the region.

A festival that defines the village

The event is promoted by the Associazione Culturale Gesso - La Perla dei Peloritani, led by president Tonino Macrì, and is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Messina, often featured in the city's summer calendar. More than just an event, the Ibbisu Village Fest is a moment of unity for the small community of Gesso, combining conviviality, fun, and the celebration of artisanal skills in a village that, for a few summer nights, becomes the center of life in the Peloritani.

When it takes place

The event is traditionally held in August, at the height of the Messinese summer. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: we recommend following the official channels of the organizing association for the updated program.