Tomato Festival – Raw, Cooked and Eaten

A festival born to celebrate the Maniace tomato

The 'Raw, Cooked and Eaten' Tomato Festival is a vibrant food and wine event in Maniace, a town in the Metropolitan City of Catania nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, in the heart of the Nebrodi Park along the springs of the Simeto river. The festival was created to showcase local tomatoes and the entire basket of typical products from this fertile valley, focusing on the work of local producers and the town's agricultural identity.

Maniace, the garden of the Nebrodi

Situated at an altitude between 700 and 800 meters, Maniace is the youngest municipality in the Nebrodi Park: established during the 20th century, it gained municipal autonomy in April 1981. Known as 'the garden of the Nebrodi', the area is famous for its peaches and pears, Nebrodi provola and ricotta cheeses, black pork, sourdough bread, local vegetables, and wines. Nearby stands the Nelson Castle, the ancient abbey of Santa Maria di Maniace, a splendid monument of Norman origin.

Traditional flavors and dishes

The heart of the festival is the 'path of taste' set up along the town's main street. Key specialties include Gettata dei Maccheroni with Maniace sauce, accompanied by Nebrodi black pork ragù, caponata on bruschetta, fried cheeses, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables, all washed down with local wines. There is no shortage of Maniace peaches and pears, and wood-fired bread.

Music, entertainment, and culture

Beyond gastronomy, the event offers entertainment for all ages, live radio broadcasts, body painting, dance performances by local schools, and dance evenings. There is also space for reflection, with a conference dedicated to biodiversity and sustainable tomato cultivation featuring professors from the University of Catania. The evenings come alive with cabaret and shows, in a festive atmosphere that unites the entire community.

A late summer appointment

Held in the third week of September, the Maniace Tomato Festival is an ideal stop for those wanting to discover the authentic flavors of the Sicilian hinterland, far from the main tourist routes, in a village that preserves the peace and generosity of the Nebrodi land.