NutrimentINPeriferia – Nutrimenti Terrestri

A festival bringing culture to the suburbs

NutrimentINPeriferia is a cultural regeneration project created by the theatre company Nutrimenti Terrestri for the peripheral areas of the Municipality of Messina, in the Sicilian Metropolitan City. Launched in 2022, it has become a highly anticipated December tradition: for about a month, the suburbs of Messina come alive with dozens of free theatre performances, live music, and contemporary circus acts.

Theatre "at your doorstep" in the districts

The concept is simple yet powerful: instead of asking residents to travel to the city centre, culture comes to them. Schools, churches, parish auditoriums, squares, streets, and courtyards become places of meeting and sharing. The festival is divided into three thematic routes, one for each of the involved districts: ORIZZONTINSCENA (1st District), TERRITORINSCENA (5th District), and CORRENTINSCENA (6th District). The neighbourhoods reached include Giampilieri, Galati, Briga, Ganzirri, Faro Superiore, Torre Faro, Giostra, Ritiro, Sperone, and Pace.

Theatre, music, and circus

The programme alternates between plays, concerts, and contemporary circus performances gathered under the NUTRIMENTICIRCUS brand, featuring juggling, magic, and acrobatics. Alongside shows for families and children, there are Christmas concerts, traditional Sicilian music, and theatrical productions by the company. The artistic direction is led by Maurizio Puglisi.

A project supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality

NutrimentINPeriferia is produced by Nutrimenti Terrestri with funding from the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Messina, as part of initiatives dedicated to Metropolitan Cities for promoting live performance in urban suburbs. Almost all events offer free admission subject to availability, in line with the project's commitment to accessibility.

Why it's worth attending

• Dozens of free shows spread throughout the metropolitan area of Messina
• Theatre, music, and contemporary circus in unusual and local neighbourhood spaces
• Programming designed for families, children, and local communities
• A virtuous example of culture as a tool for social cohesion

NutrimentINPeriferia is much more than just a festival: it is a way to give culture back to the neighbourhoods of Messina and turn it into an opportunity for connection during the Christmas season.