Radici Future

Radici Future: a village sharing its identity

Radici Future is the food, wine, and cultural festival that brings Santa Lucia del Mela to life—a charming hillside village in the province of Messina, nestled in the heart of the Valle del Mela. Born from a project by the Hi-Fly Comunicazione agency in collaboration with the local municipal administration, the festival highlights traditional products, ancient crafts, and local heritage, turning them into a living narrative that looks toward the future. The event's very name declares its mission: to build development and identity by starting from one's roots.

Talks, cooking shows, and tastings

The heart of the festival, hosted in Piazza Milite Ignoto, alternates between insightful discussions and tasting opportunities. The talks feature producers, experts, and officials discussing native grape varieties, the black sheep of the Valle del Mela, and local specialties, while the cooking shows bring local chefs and members of the Messina Chefs Association to the stage, joined by Michelin-starred names from the Sicilian culinary scene. Free tastings of cheeses, cured meats, fresh ricotta prepared on-site by the Valle del Mela Consortium, and traditional local sweets accompany the public throughout the two evenings.

Music, folklore, and community

The popular spirit is an essential part of Radici Future: traditional songs and local folk groups, such as Il Girasole and Coppola Nera, bring the rural soul of the Valle del Mela to life through dances, storytelling (cunti), and ancient trades. The festival celebrates the guardians of local memory, weaving together gastronomy, the Mediterranean diet, and oral tradition into a unique outdoor community celebration.

Guardian of Territorial Identity

During the 2025 edition, Santa Lucia del Mela was awarded the title of Guardian of Territorial Identity and officially joined the national Borghi Genius Loci De.Co. network, with the recognition presented by national coordinator Nino Sutera. This seal confirms the village's commitment to using its gastronomic and cultural roots as a driver for development across the entire Valle del Mela.

A village to discover

Overlooking the Peloritani mountains and dominated by its castle, Santa Lucia del Mela provides the perfect backdrop for an event that unites flavors, history, and landscape. Radici Future is a wonderful opportunity to visit the town and its square, discover producers from north-eastern Sicily, and enjoy two free evenings dedicated to taste and tradition.