San Martino Festival in Presa

The San Martino Festival in the village of Presa

The San Martino Festival in Presa is one of the most beloved food and wine events in the Etna region. It takes place every November in Presa, a charming hamlet of the municipality of Piedimonte Etneo, in the province of Catania, nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna at an altitude of approximately 600 meters. The small village, whose origins date back to the 18th century, owes its name to its historical role as the main water intake point for the San Basilio fiefdom and the ancient center of Belvedere, now Piedimonte Etneo.

Macco di fave, the king of the festival

At the heart of the event is traditional peasant cuisine, prepared according to recipes passed down through generations. The signature dish is macco di fave, a thick, flavorful puree of dried fava beans, also served in a fried version. Alongside the macco, visitors can enjoy:

• Chickpea and legume soups with croutons;
• Homemade bread and grilled Etna sausage;
• Traditional Sicilian homemade desserts;
• Roasted chestnuts and volcanic wine;
• Mulled wine to warm up the autumn days.

Atmosphere, music, and community

The festival is more than just a culinary appointment; it is, above all, a moment of community. Starting at noon, the village comes alive with the Cucina del Borgo (Village Kitchen), while live music and entertainment for all ages resonate through the narrow streets. The event is organized by the Il Borgo di Presa association in collaboration with the Pro Loco Presa, under the patronage of the Municipality of Piedimonte Etneo, as part of a project to regenerate and promote the small Etnean center through cultural events and volunteering.

A village to discover on Mount Etna

Visiting Presa during the San Martino Festival means immersing yourself in the most authentic Sicily: that of the Etnean villages, volcanic flavors, and popular traditions. Its panoramic position, overlooking the slopes of the volcano and just a few kilometers from the Ionian Sea, makes the day a perfect opportunity to discover a hidden corner of the province of Catania, far from mass tourism circuits.