Vivere il Mare – Experiences and Flavors of Punta Secca

Vivere il Mare in Punta Secca

Vivere il Mare – Experiences and Flavors of Punta Secca is an event promoted by the Municipality of Santa Croce Camerina, in the province of Ragusa, designed to showcase and celebrate the sea in all its facets: as an economic resource, of course, but also as a shared cultural experience. The event takes place in the seaside hamlet of Punta Secca, a fishing village made famous as the setting for the Inspector Montalbano television series, with its beating heart in the picturesque Piazza Faro, at the foot of the historic Scalambri lighthouse.

A project focused on local catch and underutilized species

The event was created to highlight local seafood and promote so-called underutilized fish species—lesser-known, affordable fish such as horse mackerel, cuttlefish, scabbardfish, and gurnard—while fostering the culture of the Mediterranean diet, traditional fishing, and short supply chains. It is a journey that weaves together nutritional education, sustainability, and the identity of the Iblean coast, involving associations, local businesses, and industry professionals.

The program: workshops, live cooking, and talks

The days follow a rich and structured schedule, all hosted in the heart of the village:

• Mornings (10 am – 12 pm): Educational workshops for children and teenagers, curated by experts from the Institute for the Mediterranean Diet (IDIMED) and local associations, with the participation of the Civic Museum of Natural History of Comiso.
• Traditional fishing workshops: Local fishermen share their craft and the importance of underutilized species for the community.
• Live cooking demonstrations: Local chefs prepare dishes featuring cuttlefish, horse mackerel, and other humble fish, showcasing the authentic flavors of the Iblean sea.
• Talks and discussions: Meetings on the organoleptic properties of local catch and maritime culture, accompanied by traveling musical performances.

Held concurrently with Faro in Festa

Vivere il Mare takes place at the same time as Faro in Festa, a festival that exceptionally opens the Scalambri lighthouse to the public with guided tours and exhibitions on the local maritime history. Together, the two events bring Punta Secca to life between late May and early June, attracting thousands of visitors to the village.

An event for Santa Croce Camerina and Sicily

Co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Regional Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Mediterranean Fisheries of the Sicilian Region, Vivere il Mare represents a key part of the tourism and cultural development strategy for Punta Secca and the entire Santa Croce Camerina area, characterized by crystal-clear waters, high-quality gastronomy, and maritime traditions.