Pasta 'Ncasciada Festival

The Pasta 'Ncasciada Festival in Novara di Sicilia

Wandering through the sandstone and cipollino marble streets of Novara di Sicilia, an enchanting village in the Peloritani Mountains in the province of Messina and officially listed among Italy's most beautiful villages, the Pasta 'Ncasciada Festival stands out as one of the most cherished summer events. The festival is dedicated to the dish that best embodies the gastronomic soul of the town: pasta 'ncasciada, the true star of the mid-August festivities.

A dish that tells the story of a community

The local pasta 'ncasciada is a hearty baked pasta recipe passed down through generations. It is made with a rich veal and mutton ragù, enhanced by crumbled meatballs, eggplant, eggs, and breadcrumbs, all baked until it forms a signature golden crust. It is the dish of special occasions, the one that brings entire families together around the table at Ferragosto: the festival makes it the centerpiece of a public celebration open to both residents and visitors.

Atmosphere and program

The gastronomic event takes place in the evocative setting of Piazza Stancanelli Basile, in the historic center of the village. Tasting this traditional dish is accompanied by music and folk performances that enliven the summer evening in a festive atmosphere that lasts until late at night. Admission to the event is free, and the organization is managed by the Associazione I Giovani del Borgo, a local group that has been preserving and promoting Novara's traditions for years.

The village of Novara di Sicilia

Attending the festival is also the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating historic centers in north-eastern Sicily. Novara di Sicilia preserves medieval and Renaissance monuments, including the Rocca Saracena, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Church of San Francesco, all set against a mountain landscape overlooking the valley. The Pasta 'Ncasciada is part of a rich calendar of summer traditions in the town, alongside other events like the Hazelnut Festival and the Assumption celebrations.

An experience of taste and identity

More than just a food tasting, the festival is a collective ritual that renews the Novara community's bond with its own cuisine every year. For those visiting the Peloritani mountains in summer, it is the ideal occasion to savor an authentic dish in the very place where it was born, amidst the voices, songs, and colors of a mid-August celebration that stands the test of time.