Festival of the Cuzzola of Roccalumera

In the month of September, in Roccalumera, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, an event takes place every year that closes the summer season with the savory taste of Cuzzola: the Cuzzola Festival of Roccalumera is the right occasion to taste the typical fried bread, cut into squares, to be enjoyed plain or with a delicious filling of salted anchovies or local ricotta.

At the gastronomic tasting you are invited to taste others as well typical products and do not miss the fun, for adults and children.

In fact, the evening's program includes outdoor games starting in the afternoon, and then continuing with the Cuzzola Festival in Roccalumera, where a special end of the evening awaits you with live music.

The party yes takes place in Sciglio, fraction of Roccalumera, in the village of medieval origins known for its beautiful churches and for being linked to the great poet Salvatore Quasimodo. Visiting the festival can then be the perfect opportunity to plan even a small tour of eastern Sicily, to discover the tastes, culture and traditions of the place.

The story linked to the Cuzzola festival in Roccalumera

The first settlements around Roccalumera date back to the Middle Ages, but it was only in the XNUMXth century that the town began to take on its current shape. Among the ancient and rich local traditions, the culinary ones are very important and this is why the Sagra della Cuzzola di Roccalumera was born: to celebrate one of the typical flavors of these areas.
In reality, the Festa della Cuzzola has very recent origins, because it was established in 2016, but was born to celebrate the ancient taste of fried bread.

The festival is organized by the Xilium Sciglio Association of Roccalumera under the patronage of the Municipality. The Association is responsible for promoting culture, traditions and sport in the area.

When the Cuzzola di Roccalumera festival takes place

The festival takes place on 22 September, starting at 18:00 with the welcome of the participants and games for the children; to follow, from 20:00 it will be possible to taste the typical products and the evening ends late at night, with the musical show.

Where the Cuzzola di Roccalumera festival takes place

The Sagra della Cuzzola takes place in Sciglio, a fraction of Roccalumera located about 3 km from the coast.

Here in Piazza Fleming the festivities take place and the tasty tasting takes place.

What to do during the Cuzzola di Roccalumera festival

Naturally, the first thing to do at the Cuzzola Festival is to taste the delicious fried bread, choosing it in the traditional simple version, or with filling. Then, don't forget to taste the others too local products that are offered for tasting. A play area will be set up for children and adults too can have fun until late, closing the evening with a live concert.

A full evening, that of Roccalumera, which welcomes you at the end of the summer, still offering you beautiful days for also visit the town and its surroundings.

In fact, you can take advantage of your stay in Roccalumera to visit the historic centre, with its numerous churches. Without leaving Sciglio, you will find the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, from the XNUMXth century, which stands on the banks of the Sciglio torrent; heading towards the Baglio district you will meet the Church of the Most Holy Crucifix, a suggestive visit to do in the evening, while one of the oldest churches in the area is the Byzantine church of San Michele, which dates back to the XNUMXth century, located on a hill in Allume.

In Roccalumera, you can also visit the childhood home of Salvatore Quasimodo, a truly interesting attraction for all lovers of poetry: the great Sicilian writer spent his first years of life in his grandfather's house in the village and he country also dedicates the Salvatore Quasimodo Literary Park.

Furthermore, among the ancient buildings of Roccalumera, you can visit the Saracen Tower, of fifteenth-century origins, bulwark of the Sicilian defensive system of coastal towers. The tower, also known by the name of Torre Sollima, symbol of Roccalumera and dear to Quasimodo who dedicated a poem to it, can now be visited by appointment.

La Roccalumera beach it is one of the most beautiful in Messina and overlooks the Ionian Sea: here, in the month of September, it is still possible to swim in the transparent waters of the beach, or snorkel to discover the gravelly seabed.

Following the coast northwards, in just half an hour's journey you can reach Messina, a great city of art where you can admire the Cathedral, the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, the Fountain of Orion and the Forte Gonzaga, to name just a few of the most beautiful monuments in the city.

After enjoying the Cuzzola, while you discover the most beautiful villages of the Ionian coast, also taste the other typical dishes of the area, from octopus salad to stuffed chicken, without forgetting the desserts, such as cream puffs with ricotta.

How to get to the Cuzzola festival in Roccalumera

Roccalumera, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, is located about 36 km from the city: getting to the town is easy, both by car and by train.

Those who wish to travel by car can take the A18 Messina-Catania motorway to the Roccalumera exit, continuing directly to the town; alternatively, take the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, take the Messina-San Filippo exit and continue for 24 km to the centre.

Those who prefer to arrive by train can book a ticket to the Santa Teresa di Riva station, which is located just 3 km from Roccalumera, connected to the center by buses and shuttles.