Stazzo Summer Festival and Food Fairs

The summer festival in the village of Stazzo

Every summer, the small seaside village of Stazzo, a hamlet of the Municipality of Acireale in the province of Catania, transforms into one of the most popular meeting spots on the Ionian coast. The Stazzo Summer Festival brings Piazza Mantova to life, just steps from the fishermen's harbor, with a series of themed evenings celebrating seafood and Sicilian street food. It is a popular, free event organized by the Pro Loco Acireale that attracts families, tourists, and residents from neighboring hamlets.

The themed evenings

The event calendar is spread over several weekends, each with a different gastronomic theme. The two main highlights are the Mafalda with Mortadella Festival and the famous Tuna Festival, the true star of the event. The mafalda, a typical Sicilian semolina bread with sesame seeds, is generously filled, while the tuna and tuna arancino reflect the fishing tradition that has always characterized this stretch of the Cyclops Riviera.

What to eat

The stalls and stands of the Pro Loco offer a rich assortment of Sicilian street food specialties:

• Tuna and tuna arancino, the stars of the Tuna Festival
• Mafalda with mortadella, the symbol of the first evening
• Swordfish sandwich, a tribute to the local catch
• Arancini in their various versions
• Horse meat, a traditional dish from the Catania area
• Maccheroni with tomato sauce and other homemade specialties

Music and atmosphere

Each evening is accompanied by musical and entertainment shows that liven up the square until late at night. Amidst the scent of grilled fish, the lights on the sea, and the festive chatter, Stazzo offers the authentic experience of a summer village festival, where maritime tradition meets Sicilian conviviality. In the background, the silhouette of Mount Etna completes a unique setting.

A village to discover

Stazzo is a small coastal hamlet of Acireale, known for its small harbor, fishermen's houses, and the volcanic rocks typical of the Cyclops Riviera. The Summer Festival is the ideal opportunity to discover this corner of the Ionian Sicily, combining a walk along the seafront with an evening of good food and music.