Thunnus Fest – Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna Festival

Thunnus Fest in Porticello

The Thunnus Fest – Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna Festival is an event that celebrates Mediterranean bluefin tuna in the heart of the seaside village of Porticello, a district of the municipality of Santa Flavia, in the province of Palermo. The event takes place in the evocative setting of Piano Stenditore, overlooking the harbor, where the tradition of fishing meets the culture of taste and the maritime identity of Sicily.

Promoted by the Municipality of Santa Flavia together with private partners and local associations, the festival was created to highlight one of the iconic products of the Sicilian sea and to share the history of the tonnare (tuna fisheries), small-scale artisanal fishing, and maritime trades.

Cooking shows, masterclasses, and tastings

The core of the event is the Thunnus Expo, a space where local chefs and restaurateurs host cooking shows, masterclasses, and tastings dedicated to bluefin tuna and local catches. The dishes offered combine the flavors of Sicilian tradition with local agri-food products, bridging the gap between maritime and agricultural cultures.

The Food Village, with free admission, offers traditional culinary specialties and Sicilian street food, with a special focus on local seafood: from tuna to bluefish preparations, paired with wine and craft beer.

Culture, sea, and sustainability

Alongside the gastronomic experience, Thunnus Fest dedicates ample space to maritime culture: talks, seminars, and conferences address topics such as sustainable fishing, food and wine tourism, the history of the tonnare, and the promotion of small-scale bluefin tuna fishing. Exhibitions set up at the Museum of the Sea and curated displays recount the glorious history of the Solanto tuna fishery and the deep bond between the community of Porticello and its sea.

The event is set in a location of great cultural and scenic value: just a short distance away lies the Archaeological Park of Solunto, one of the most important ancient cities in Sicily, which can be visited during the festival. Thunnus Fest is thus an opportunity to discover Santa Flavia, Porticello, and the entire coastal area through taste, tradition, and maritime identity.