Nocciolata of Saint Nicholas

The 2025 Nocciolata

The 2025 edition of the Nocciolata of Saint Nicholas took place as per tradition on December 6th in Gualtieri Sicaminò, in the province of Messina. In the afternoon, around 3:00 PM, Piazza Duomo filled with the faithful and curious onlookers to witness the highlight: the tossing of over a thousand kilos of hazelnuts from the balconies onto the cheering crowd.

On the three preceding evenings, December 3rd, 4th, and 5th, groups of locals walked through the village streets singing the "Viva Viva Santa Nicola" hymn and knocking on doors to collect offerings. The local brass band accompanied the festive afternoon, while in the evening, the return of the saint to the church was greeted by a fireworks display.

December 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2025 — The Novenas

• Evening masses with traditional prayers, chants, and praises
• Groups of locals through the village streets with the "Viva Viva Santa Nicola" hymn
• Door-to-door collection of offerings (dried figs, walnuts, hazelnuts, sweets)

December 6th, 2025 — The day of the festival

• Around 3:00 PM — Start of the Nocciolata in Piazza Duomo: tossing of over a thousand kilos of hazelnuts from the balconies
• Accompaniment by the local brass band
• In the evening — Return of the Saint Nicholas statue to the church and concluding fireworks display