NutrimentInPeriferia

A festival bringing theatre to the suburbs of Messina

NutrimentInPeriferia is a live performance festival that brings the suburbs of the Municipality of Messina, Sicily, to life every year. Conceived and produced by the Nutrimenti Terrestri company, the project was born with a clear mission: to bring the performing arts back into unconventional spaces that are deeply embedded in people's daily lives, such as schools, parishes, squares, and neighbourhoods, restoring the original bond between performance and community.

Widespread spaces and peripheral districts

Unlike programmes concentrated in the city centre, NutrimentInPeriferia deliberately chooses the margins: the seaside and hillside villages of the Metropolitan City of Messina. The editions have reached dozens of districts, including Giostra, Sperone, Ritiro, Torre Faro, Faro Superiore, Ganzirri, Galati, Briga, Giampilieri, and many others. Performances are hosted in churches, schools, squares, courtyards, and neighbourhood spaces, transformed for the occasion into places of encounter and cultural sharing.

Theatre, music, and contemporary circus

The programme is multidisciplinary and designed for all ages. Alongside adult drama, there are shows for children and families, live music concerts, traditional Sicilian sounds, and contemporary circus featuring juggling, magic, bubbles, and balancing acts. The artistic direction prioritises local artists and workers, building a solid network with schools, associations, neighbourhood councils, parishes, and third-sector entities.

A project of cultural and social regeneration

NutrimentInPeriferia is much more than just a festival: it is an experience of cultural and social regeneration. The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Messina as part of initiatives dedicated to Metropolitan Cities and the revitalisation of cultural activities in the suburbs. Over the years, it has involved over one hundred entertainment professionals and thousands of spectators, demonstrating how theatre can become a tool for cohesion for entire communities.

When it takes place

The festival traditionally takes place during the winter period, specifically in the month of December, with events that may extend into the first few days of January. Admission to the shows is generally free while seats last, confirming the popular and inclusive nature of the project in the heart of the province of Messina.