Madonnina della Strada Festival
The mid-summer religious festival in Sicily's highest village
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Madonnina della Strada
A festival of faith and community at 1,275 meters
The Madonnina della Strada Festival is one of the most cherished events of the summer in Floresta, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Messina known as the highest village in Sicily, nestled at an altitude of 1,275 meters in the heart of the Nebrodi Park. Every year around mid-August, the community gathers around the venerated image of the Madonna for a day that weaves together religious devotion and popular celebration.
The procession and Holy Mass
The most solemn moment is the procession of the statue of the Madonna, carried on shoulders through the historic center amidst prayers and hymns. In recent years, the religious pageant has wound through the village in the afternoon, concluding with the celebration of Holy Mass. The parish of Sant'Anna, the village's spiritual guide, leads the faithful on this journey that renews the bond between the people of Floresta and their religious traditions every year.
Between the sacred and the profane: the car parade and Color Party
Alongside its devotional side, the festival has a cheerful, contemporary spirit. After Mass, the characteristic car parade takes to the village streets, while in the evening the square transforms with live musical performances and the Color Party, an event featuring colored powders that attracts many young people each year. The festival is part of the broader summer program "Floresta in Festa," which offers music, culture, tastings, and the typical flavors of the Nebrodi throughout August.
Floresta and the Nebrodi Mountains
Visiting Floresta during the festival is also the perfect opportunity to discover a unique territory. The village is the cradle of Provola dei Nebrodi, the iconic cheese of these mountains, and offers a cool climate that makes it a sought-after destination during the hot days of August. The Madonnina della Strada Festival is organized by the local parish together with the Municipality of Floresta and local associations, in a spirit of participation that involves the entire Nebrodi community.
Madonnina della Strada — edition 2026
The dates and official program for the 2026 edition of the Madonnina della Strada Festival have not yet been published. The festival, traditionally celebrated in Floresta around mid-August, is expected to maintain its established structure this year: the procession of the statue through the village streets, Holy Mass, the car parade, and the evening Color Party for young people. We invite you to check back on this page for updates as soon as the parish of Sant'Anna and the Municipality of Floresta release the official calendar.
Practical information — Madonnina della Strada
How to get there
Floresta can be reached by car via the SS116 road that crosses the Nebrodi Mountains, connecting the Tyrrhenian side (Capo d'Orlando, A20 exit) with the Ionian side (Randazzo). It is about an hour and a half from Messina and Catania. There is no direct train connection: the nearest station is on the Tyrrhenian coast.
When
The festival traditionally takes place around mid-August (in recent years, on August 13th). The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced.
Tips
Being at an altitude of 1,275 meters, evenings can be cool even in the height of summer: bring a sweater. Take advantage of your visit to taste the Provola dei Nebrodi and local dairy products.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Madonnina della Strada
Centro storico di Floresta