Masculina Festival

The Masculina Festival in Aci Castello

The Masculina Festival is one of the most beloved food and wine events on the Catania coast. It takes place in the picturesque harbor of Aci Castello, a seaside village on the Cyclops Riviera, in the province of Catania, at the foot of the lava-stone Norman Castle that dominates the cliffs. Promoted by the CreAttiva AciCastello Cultural Association, the festival transforms the small seaside square into a large open-air restaurant for a few evenings, where the anchovy is the absolute star.

The 'masculina da magghia', queen of the table

The name "masculina da magghia" refers to both the anchovy itself and the traditional fishing technique: a net with a mesh of about one centimeter, approximately three hundred meters long, typical of the Catania fishing fleets. It is one of the iconic fish of traditional Sicilian cuisine and is caught in the stretch of sea between Capo Mulini and Capo Santa Croce, near the Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area. The freshness of the catch is the true highlight of the festival.

What to eat

Chefs and volunteers prepare a menu entirely dedicated to the masculina, featured in many recipes from the popular Sicilian repertoire:

• Fried masculina, crispy and golden;
• Grilled masculina over charcoal;
• Masculina a beccafico, rolled and seasoned according to the traditional recipe;
• other seafood dishes, accompanied by artisanal bread, Sicilian wine, and other local delicacies.

Atmosphere and setting

The festival takes place in summer, usually in early July, and combines tastings with a festive atmosphere featuring live music and entertainment by the sea. The setting is the unmistakable backdrop of Aci Castello, with the Norman fortress and the Cyclops sea stacks: an opportunity to discover an iconic local dish and experience the life of an authentic fishing village on the Ionian coast.