Nebrodi Ricotta and Provola Festival

A festival scented with milk and the Nebrodi mountains

In the heart of the town of Maniace, in the province of Catania, where the slopes of Mount Etna meet the pastures of the Nebrodi, the Nebrodi Ricotta and Provola Festival transforms the village into a large open-air workshop dedicated to two pillars of Sicilian dairy production. For three days, the town celebrates one of the oldest human activities: the mescita della ricotta, a ritual where freshly curdled, steaming milk is poured into containers and offered to visitors for tasting.

The ritual of the mescita and the flavors of the Nebrodi

The most anticipated moment is the mescita: warm, sweet, and velvety ricotta, served by master cheesemakers who explain the craft behind it. Alongside, dairy and local product stalls offer aged Nebrodi provola, fiordilatte, and PDO cheeses, paired with other specialties from the Etna region and the mountains. Traditional desserts are a must, especially the ricotta cannolo, the true icon of Sicilian pastry.

Workshops, performances, and rural culture

The festival goes beyond gastronomy: a rich program of experiential workshops engages both adults and children, from 'Hands-on' demonstrations to sessions on green lemon provola and ancient Sicilian grains, complete with tastings. The town center comes alive with roaming performances, folk music, and street artists, while dedicated entertainment is provided for children.

In the footsteps of the Nelsons

Maniace holds a unique history: these lands were once granted to Admiral Horatio Nelson, and their legacy remains. During the festival, visitors can explore Nelson Castle, the Museum of the Shepherd and the Farmer, the evocative Nebrodi Nativity Scene with its animated traditional trades, and the art exhibition at the Galeone di Maniace. It is a journey that weaves together taste, rural memory, and the identity of a territory suspended between Mount Etna and the Nebrodi range.

A mark of quality

Organized by the Municipality of Maniace in collaboration with the Pro Loco, the event has earned the prestigious Sagra di Qualità seal, a recognition that rewards the authenticity of the offerings, the promotion of local products, and the community's commitment to preserving the ancient folk traditions of the Nebrodi.