Sagra du Cascavaddu (Caciocavallo Festival)

A festival born from the Nebrodi cheesemaking tradition

The Sagra du Cascavaddu, or Caciocavallo Festival, is the most anticipated summer event in Castel di Lucio, a small town in the western Nebrodi mountains in the province of Messina, Sicily. First organized in 1990, the festival takes place every year on August 17th and has become an unmissable appointment for those who love the genuine flavors of traditional local products.

Rione Castello: amidst stalls and the scent of milk

The gastronomic trail winds through the streets of the ancient Rione Castello, at the foot of the ruins of a 12th-century medieval castle. Along the village lanes, stalls are set up where visitors can taste fresh, aged, and grilled provola, along with freshly made quagliata, tuma, and ricotta. These are joined by local producers offering olive oil, hazelnuts, lemons, and regional cured meats.

The murriti: true cheesemaking art

The most characteristic moment of the festival is the shaping of the murriti: master cheesemakers hand-craft the stretched curd of the Nebrodi provola—known for its sweet and delicate flavor—into a variety of shapes. This results in small edible sculptures of horses, goats, doves, and other animals, true works of art that showcase the ancient skill of the local artisans. The public can watch live demonstrations of traditional milk processing techniques.

Music, folklore, and village atmosphere

Throughout the day, the village comes alive with folk groups that entertain visitors with traditional Sicilian songs and dances, helping to create the convivial and authentic atmosphere typical of small inland town festivals.

A journey into rural Sicily

Visiting the Sagra du Cascavaddu means discovering a lesser-known, genuine Sicily, made of ancient crafts, real flavors, and hospitality. For the Municipality of Castel di Lucio, the event represents an opportunity to promote the Nebrodi territory and its cheesemaking excellence, which is rich in history and identity.