The festival celebrating the signature pastry of Soccorso, featuring shortcrust, Zibibbo wine, and live music
The Soccorso Pasticciottu Festival is the most anticipated event in the small village of Soccorso, part of the municipality of Gualtieri Sicaminò in the province of Messina, in the heart of the Tyrrhenian side of Sicily. Every spring, the community gathers in Piazza Duomo to celebrate the pastry that bears the village's name and represents its gastronomic identity.
The pasticciottu is a simple pastry with an unforgettable taste: a shortcrust shell filled with various types of jam or hazelnut cream, dusted with sugar. Its history is curious and rooted in local tradition: the recipe is said to have arrived in Soccorso thanks to a woman of Genoese origin who, after moving to the village, began preparing it for solemn festivities. The locals loved it so much that they adopted the name in the Sicilian dialect, "pasticciottu," turning it into the territory's culinary symbol.
During the festival, the pasticciottu is served with a glass of Zibibbo, the sweet Sicilian wine that enhances its aromatic notes. The pairing of the shortcrust pastry with the Moscato wine is one of the highlights for visitors, embodying the true spirit of island conviviality.
The event goes beyond tastings: the program includes live music, exhibitions, and plenty of entertainment in a genuine village-fair setting. The streets and the main square come alive from the afternoon until the evening, welcoming residents and visitors from neighboring towns.
The event is managed by the Gruppo Gaedara, a local organization committed for years to promoting the gastronomic and cultural heritage of Soccorso, in collaboration with the municipality of Gualtieri Sicaminò. Now in its many editions, the Pasticciottu Festival has established itself as one of the most beloved spring culinary events in the Messina area, successfully uniting memory, flavors, and community.
The 11th edition of the Soccorso Pasticciottu Festival was held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM, in Piazza Duomo in the hamlet of Soccorso, in Gualtieri Sicaminò in the province of Messina.
Once again, the program featured pasticciottu tastings, the shortcrust pastry filled with various jams or hazelnut cream, paired with a glass of Zibibbo. The festival, organized by the Gruppo Gaedara, was enlivened by live music and exhibitions in an atmosphere of authentic village conviviality.
The festival takes place in Piazza Duomo, in the village of Soccorso, municipality of Gualtieri Sicaminò (ME), postal code 98040.
By car: From Messina or Milazzo, reach the hilly hinterland by following signs for Gualtieri Sicaminò; the village of Soccorso is just a short distance from the town center. It is recommended to arrive early to find parking more easily. By train: The nearest station is located along the Messina Tyrrhenian line, from where you can continue by car toward the interior.
The event typically runs from late afternoon (starting at 5:00 PM) until the evening. Admission and the festive atmosphere are free; tastings of the pasticciottu and wine may require a small contribution.
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Piazza Duomo, frazione Soccorso