Vastedda cu Sammucu Festival

A focaccia that tells the story of Troina

The Vastedda cu Sammucu Festival is one of the most cherished gastronomic events in the Nebrodi Mountains, held every year in mid-June in the historic center of Troina, in the province of Enna, in the heart of Sicily. The absolute star is the vastedda cu sammucu, a round focaccia with a golden crust and a soft interior, stuffed with chunks of tuma cheese and salami, and scented with white elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) harvested during the spring bloom. It is this delicate aroma that makes it an exclusive specialty, now protected as a Slow Food Presidium and recognized as a Traditional Agri-food Product (P.A.T.) of the Sicilian Region.

History and tradition

The first edition of the festival dates back to 1987, when the Troina Pro Loco decided to promote a recipe with likely medieval roots: the name vastedda is thought to derive from the Norman wastel, and the use of salami and lard reflects the era when pigs were raised free-range in these mountains. The event traditionally takes place in conjunction with the celebrations in honor of Saint Sylvester, the city's patron saint, and has helped establish Troina—the first Norman capital of Sicily—as a destination for food and wine tourism.

What to find at the festival

• Tastings of vastedda cu sammucu at local baker and restaurant stands along Via Nazionale, Via Umberto, and Piazza Matteotti;
• Sampling of 'nfasciatieddi, baked sweets made with prickly pear cooked wine;
• Performances by folk groups and street entertainment throughout the village;
• Guided tours of the historic center and city museums;
• Live music, evening entertainment, and popular festivities.

A village to discover

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to visit Troina, perched at an altitude of over 1,100 meters in the Nebrodi range, with its historic center, Norman churches, and panoramic views of inland Sicily. During the event, accommodations are fully booked, drawing visitors from across the island and abroad, all attracted by an event that blends flavors, culture, and popular traditions.